Long non-coding RNA FLVCR1-AS1 sponges miR-155 to promote the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer by targeting c-Myc.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common digestive tract tumors, and a serious threat to human health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are involved in many cancers. However, the biological functions of most lncRNAs are unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which FLVCR1-AS1 regulated GC progression.

METHODS: FLVCR1-AS1 expression in GC tissues and 3 GC cell lines were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis profiles were analyzed by commercial assays to determine the biological functions of FLVCR1-AS1 in GC cells. The binding sites of micro RNA-155 (miR-155) on FLVCR1-AS1 were predicted using the miRDB program. Luciferase reporter assay was used to validate direct targeting of FLVCR1-AS1 by miR-155. The effects of FLVCR1-AS1 on expressions of c-Myc and p21 were assessed by western blotting. In vivo experiments were performed to analyze the effects of FLVCR1-AS1 on GC tumor growth.

RESULTS: High expression of FLVCR1-AS1 correlated with poor clinical outcomes and prognosis in patients with GC. FLVCR1-AS1 promoted proliferation and invasion of GC cells by acting as a ceRNA to sponge miR-155.

CONCLUSION: FLVCR1-AS1 acted as an oncogene in GC via FLVCR1-AS1-miR-155-c-Myc signaling and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of patients with GC.