Long non-coding RNA ROR1-AS1 enhances colorectal cancer metastasis by targeting miR-375

Recent research has proved that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in tumorigenesis. In this research, lncRNA ROR1-AS1 was explored to identify its role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to measure ROR1-AS1 expression of CRC tissues. Besides, function assays including wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted to detect the effect of ROR1-AS1 on the metastasis of CRC. Furthermore, Luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) were used to explore the underlying mechanism.

By comparison with ROR1-AS1 expression in adjacent tissues, the ROR1-AS1 expression level was significantly higher in CRC samples. Moreover, loss of ROR1-AS1 inhibited cell migration and cell invasion of CRC cells. Besides, gain of ROR1-AS1 enhanced cell migration and cell invasion of CRC cells. Furthermore, it was found that ROR1-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA via sponging miR-375 in CRC.

The present study suggests that ROR1-AS1 could promote cell migration and invasion of CRC by sponging miR-375, which may offer a potential therapeutic target in CRC.