Long Noncoding RNA SNHG16 Promotes Cell Proliferation by Sponging MicroRNA-205 and Upregulating ZEB1 Expression in Osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been a research hotspot, as they play important roles in tumor development. However, their expression pattern and biological function in osteosarcoma have not yet been clarified.

METHODS: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in osteosarcoma and paracarcinoma tissues were identified by screening an lncRNA microarray, and candidate lncRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A series of bioinformatics and molecular biological methods were adopted to investigate the interaction among lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and miRNA target genes during the development and occurrence of osteosarcoma. Cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.

RESULTS: Chip microarray screening combined with the validation of differentially expressed candidate lncRNAs showed that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) had the largest fold change. SNHG16 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, and its downregulation led to the suppressed proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. Further investigations revealed that SNHG16 could upregulate zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) expression by acting as an endogenous sponge of miR-205. Moreover, rescue assays proved that the effects of SNHG16 on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells were dependent on miR-205.

CONCLUSION: SNHG16 can significantly enhance the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, SNHG16, miR-205, and ZEB1 interact in a common pathway during the development and occurrence of osteosarcoma, providing novel targets for intervention in the treatment of osteosarcoma.