EMX2OS Delays Wilms'Tumor Progression via Targeting miR-654-3p

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Wilms' tumor is the most common pediatric renal cancer.
• High-risk Wilms' tumor patients often have a poor prognosis.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving Wilms' tumor progression is crucial for developing effective therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological function of lncRNA EMX2 opposite strand/antisense RNA (EMX2OS) in Wilms' tumor.
• To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying EMX2OS's role in Wilms' tumor progression.
• To explore EMX2OS as a potential therapeutic target for Wilms' tumor.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to assess EMX2OS and miR-654-3p expression.
• Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for proliferation, Annexin V/PI staining for apoptosis, and Transwell assay for migration and invasion.
• Dual luciferase assay to confirm interaction, Western blotting for protein analysis, and in vivo xenograft transplantation studies.

Main Results:

• EMX2OS expression was downregulated, while miR-654-3p was upregulated in Wilms' tumor samples, showing a negative correlation.
• EMX2OS overexpression suppressed Wilms' tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis.
• EMX2OS functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-654-3p, and miR-654-3p overexpression reversed EMX2OS-mediated anti-cancer effects. EMX2OS inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

• EMX2OS significantly inhibits Wilms' tumor progression by targeting miR-654-3p.
• EMX2OS demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic target for Wilms' tumor.
• This study provides critical insights into the molecular underpinnings of Wilms' tumor and potential therapeutic strategies.