Long non-coding RNA PVT1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion through regulating miR-133a in ovarian cancer

The long non-coding RNA, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), was reportedly to be highly expressed in a variety of tumors including ovarian cancer (OC). However, the role and mechanism of action of PVT1 in the carcinogenesis and progression of OC remains largely unknown. PVT1 and miR-133a expression were detected by quantitative real time PCR(qRT-PCR) assays in OC tissues and cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometer, wound healing and transwell invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, cycle, migration and invasion abilities, respectively. qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated PVT1 regulated miR-133a expression. Here, we discovered that PVT1 shows higher expression in OC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues, and patients who show higher expression of PVT1 have worse progression-free and overall survivals compared to lower expression of PVT1. Additionally, we observed that knockdown of PVT1 significantly inhibited OC cell proliferation, and decreased the migration and invasion capabilities of OC cells. Mechanistically, miR-133a was identified to serve as a direct downstream target of PVT1 in OC. Knockdown of PVT1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion through negative regulating miR-133a in OC cells. Taken together, our finding shows that PVT1 may be a novel biomarker for prognosis and a promising therapeutic target for OC.