Long non‑coding RNA DLX6‑AS1 promotes proliferation by acting as a ceRNA targeting miR‑199a in cervical cancer

Emerging evidence has revealed significant roles for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion. The lncRNA distal‑less homeobox 6 antisense 1 (DLX6‑AS1) has been reported to serve as a vital oncogene during tumorigenesis and progression. However, the expression levels and functional roles of DLX6‑AS1 in cervical cancer are not yet well understood. In the present study, DLX6‑AS1 expression was identified to be significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Knockdown of DLX6‑AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that micro RNA (miR)‑199a was a direct target of DLX6‑AS1. Overexpression of miR‑199a counteracted the role of DLX6‑AS1 in facilitating proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in in vitro rescue assays. The present results suggest that DLX6‑AS1 acting as a sponge for miR‑199a may serve a critical role in the development and progression of cervical cancer.