Long non-coding RNA LINC00173 serves as sponge for miR-338-3p to promote prostate cancer progression via regulating...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in various cancers.
• LINC00173 has been implicated in the progression of several malignancies.
• The specific role of LINC00173 in prostate cancer (PCa) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of LINC00173 in prostate cancer.
• To elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism of LINC00173 in PCa.
• To identify LINC00173 as a potential diagnostic or therapeutic target for PCa.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative RT-PCR to assess LINC00173, miR-338-3p, and Rab25 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines.
• Statistical analysis of LINC00173 expression in 124 PCa patients.
• In vitro assays including CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, scratch wound, EdU, and flow cytometry to evaluate PCa cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration.
• Bioinformatics, RNA pull-down, and Luciferase reporter assays to explore the regulatory mechanism.

Main Results:

• LINC00173 and Rab25 were upregulated, while miR-338-3p was downregulated in PCa.
• High LINC00173 expression correlated with Gleason score, PSA levels, and poorer patient survival.
• Knockdown of LINC00173 inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis.
• LINC00173 acts as a competing endogenous RNA, sponging miR-338-3p to increase Rab25 expression, thereby promoting PCa progression.

Conclusions:

• LINC00173 functions as an oncogene in prostate cancer.
• The LINC00173/miR-338-3p/Rab25 axis promotes PCa progression.
• This pathway presents a novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment.