Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Computational Pipeline for Analyzing Chimeric Noncoding RNA-Target RNA Interactions in High-Throughput Sequencing Data
Published on: December 1, 2023
Long noncoding RNA DSCAM-AS1 functions as an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting BCL11A
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China. xieningdoc@outlook.com.
Objective:
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted more attention for their role in tumor progression recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of DSCAM-AS1 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to elucidate its possible underlying mechanism.
Patients And Methods:
DSCAM-AS1 expression in both NSCLC cells and tissue samples was detected by Real Time quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the association between the DSCAM-AS1 expression level and patients' overall survival rate was explored. Furthermore, wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Results:
DSCAM-AS1 expression level in NSCLC samples was significantly higher than that of the corresponding normal tissues. The expression level of DSCAM-AS1 was associated with an overall survival time of NSCLC patients. Besides, the migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells were remarkably promoted after DSCAM-AS1 overexpression in vitro. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of BCL11A was significantly upregulated after the overexpression of DSCAM-AS1. Furthermore, the expression of BCL11A was positively correlated with DSCAM-AS1 expression in NSCLC tissues.
Conclusions:
We observed that DSCAM-AS1 could enhance NSCLC cell migration and invasion via upregulating BCL11A. Furthermore, DSCAM-AS1 might be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Insights
Long noncoding RNA DSCAM-AS1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression by increasing cell migration and invasion. This study highlights DSCAM-AS1 as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer development.
- Understanding the specific functions of lncRNAs like DSCAM-AS1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for identifying new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DSCAM-AS1 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism by which DSCAM-AS1 influences NSCLC progression.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis using Real Time quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) in NSCLC tissues and cells.
- In vitro assays including wound healing and transwell assays to assess cell migration and invasion.
- Western blot analysis to evaluate protein expression levels, specifically of BCL11A.
Main Results:
- DSCAM-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues compared to normal tissues.
- Higher DSCAM-AS1 levels correlated with reduced overall survival in NSCLC patients.
- Overexpression of DSCAM-AS1 promoted NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro.
- DSCAM-AS1 overexpression led to increased mRNA and protein levels of BCL11A, with a positive correlation observed in NSCLC tissues.
Conclusions:
- DSCAM-AS1 enhances NSCLC cell migration and invasion by upregulating BCL11A.
- DSCAM-AS1 represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Lung Capacity
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Stability

