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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Author Spotlight: RNA FISH for Locating lncRNA-SNHG6 in Osteosarcoma Cells
Published on: June 16, 2023
Long noncoding RNA RHPN1-AS1 exerts pro-oncogenic actions in osteosarcoma by functioning as a molecular sponge of
1Department of Spinal Surgery, Shijiazhuang Third Hospital , Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The long noncoding RNA, RHPN1 antisense RNA 1 (RHPN1-AS1), performs important regulatory actions in the progression of many human cancers. In this study, we aimed to analyze RHPN1-AS1 expression in osteosarcoma (OS) and to assess the influence of RHPN1-AS1 knockdown on the malignant behavior of OS cells. The molecular mechanisms by which RHPN1-AS1 affects the oncogenicity of OS were explored too. The expression of RHPN1-AS1 in OS was measured by RT-qPCR. The effects of the RHPN1-AS1 silencing in OS cells were studied both in vitro (in a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, apoptosis analysis, and Transwell migration and invasion assays) and in vivo (by means of tumor xenografts in nude mice). Herein, RHPN1-AS1 expression was found to be significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. The elevated expression of RHPN1-AS1 closely correlated with the tumor size, TNM stage, distal metastasis and shorter overall survival in patients with OS. The depletion of RHPN1-AS1 restrained OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and exerted proapoptotic effects in vitro. Furthermore, the knockdown of RHPN1-AS1 effectively reduced the tumor growth of OS cells in vivo. As for the mechanism, RHPN1-AS1 increased snail family zinc finger 2 (SNAI2 also known as SNAIL2) expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-506. Notably, increasing the amount of miR-506 partially reversed the effects of the RHPN1-AS1 downregulation on OS cells. In conclusion, RHPN1-AS1 contributes to the malignancy of OS cells in vitro and in vivo, largely via upregulation of the miR-506-SNAI2 axis output.
Insights
Long noncoding RNA RHPN1-AS1 is upregulated in osteosarcoma (OS), promoting cancer progression. Silencing RHPN1-AS1 inhibits OS cell malignancy and tumor growth by regulating the miR-506-SNAI2 axis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in human cancer progression.
- RHPN1 antisense RNA 1 (RHPN1-AS1) is implicated in various cancers.
- Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy with significant metastatic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate RHPN1-AS1 expression in osteosarcoma.
- To determine the functional impact of RHPN1-AS1 knockdown on OS cell behavior.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying RHPN1-AS1's oncogenic role in OS.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) for gene expression analysis.
- In vitro assays: Cell Counting Kit-8, apoptosis analysis, Transwell migration and invasion assays.
- In vivo studies: Tumor xenografts in nude mice.
Main Results:
- RHPN1-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in OS tissues and cell lines.
- High RHPN1-AS1 levels correlated with larger tumor size, advanced TNM stage, metastasis, and poorer survival.
- RHPN1-AS1 knockdown suppressed OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis in vitro, and reduced tumor growth in vivo.
- RHPN1-AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-506, upregulating SNAI2 expression.
Conclusions:
- RHPN1-AS1 promotes osteosarcoma malignancy both in vitro and in vivo.
- The oncogenic function of RHPN1-AS1 is mediated through the miR-506/SNAI2 axis.
- RHPN1-AS1 represents a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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