Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 regulates the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells through the miR-454-3p/ZEB2 axis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy with significant mortality.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.
• CCAT1 has emerged as a potential oncogenic lncRNA in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical utility of lncRNA CCAT1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in osteosarcoma.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of CCAT1 in regulating osteosarcoma cell behavior.
• To explore CCAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Main Methods:

• Serum and tumor tissue samples from 84 osteosarcoma patients and healthy controls were analyzed for CCAT1 expression.
• In vitro experiments involved transfecting osteosarcoma cells with CCAT1 overexpression and inhibition vectors.
• Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays.
• Dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments were performed to determine the regulatory axis involving CCAT1, miR-454-3p, and ZEB2.

Main Results:

• CCAT1 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and serum compared to controls.
• Serum CCAT1 demonstrated high diagnostic value for osteosarcoma (AUC = 0.930).
• High CCAT1 expression correlated with poor patient survival.
• Inhibition of CCAT1 suppressed osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion while promoting apoptosis.
• CCAT1 was found to target miR-454-3p, which in turn targets ZEB2, forming the miR-454-3p/ZEB2 axis.

Conclusions:

• lncRNA CCAT1 is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for osteosarcoma.
• CCAT1 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion by regulating the miR-454-3p/ZEB2 axis.
• CCAT1 represents a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.