Mechanism study of lncRNA RMRP regulating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through miR-580-3p/ATP13A3 axis.

OBJECTIVE: It is well-known that lncRNAs regulate energy metabolism in tumors. This study focused on the action of RMRP on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolysis.

METHODS: In the resected ESCC tissues and adjacent tissues from patients, RMRP/miR-580-3p/ATP13A3 expressions were evaluated. ESCC cell proliferation rates and apoptotic rates were measured by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis related markers were examined by Western blot. Moreover, glucose uptake, lactic acid, and ATP were measured by commercial kits, whereas HK2 and PKM2 were evaluated by Western blot to study ESCC cell glycolysis. Finally, the editing program of RMRP/miR-580-3p/ATP13A3 was translated by luciferase reporter assay and RIP analysis.

RESULTS: RMRP and ATP13A3 were induced, while miR-580-3p was reduced in their expression in ESCC tissues. Silencing RMRP reduced proliferation, glycolysis, and anti-apoptosis ability of ESCC cells. RMRP sequestered miR-580-3p to target ATP13A3. Silenced ATP13A3 or overexpressed miR-580-3p rescued overexpressed RMRP-mediated promotion of proliferation, glycolysis, and anti-apoptosis of ESCC cells.

CONCLUSION: RMRP accelerates ESCC progression through the miR-580-3p/ATP13A3 axis, renewing a reference for lncRNA-based therapies for tumors.