LncRNA UCA1 regulates proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by targeting miR-145

Finding a key target for the development of cervical cancer is conducive to the treatment of cervical cancer. LncRNA UCA1 plays a role in multiple tumors, such as the digestive tract and bladder. However, whether LncRNA UCA1 plays a role in cervical cancer is unclear.

The tumor tissues (tumor group) and adjacent tissues (normal group) of cervical cancer patients were collected for analysis of expression of LncRNA UCA1 and miR-145 by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Cervical cancer HeLa cell line was cultured and divided into NC group, si-UCA1 group, and si-UCA1+ miR-145 inhibitor group. It was followed by the analysis of LucRNA UCA1 expression by Real Time-PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, cell migration and invasion by respective cell scratch, transwell chamber assay, and targeted relationship between UCA1 and miR-145 by Dual-Luciferase activity.

LncRNA UCA1 expression was significantly increased in cervical cancer and miR-145 expression was decreased compared with the normal group (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between them (p<0.05). The downregulation of UCA1 significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with NC group (p<0.05). MiR-145 is the target miRNA of UCA1. The addition of miR-145 inhibitor reversed the effect of UCA1 siRNA on downregulating UCA1 expression, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the si-UCA1 group (p<0.05).

LncRNA UCA1 expression is significantly increased in cervical cancer and miR-145 expression is decreased with a negative correlation between them. Lnc-RNA UCA1 regulates cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting miR-145.