CTCF-activated SNHG16 facilitates gastrointestinal stromal tumor by targeting miR-128-3p/CASC3 axis

In this study, it was ascertained that SNHG16 was up-regulated in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) tissues and cells, and was responsible for the aggravated malignant behaviors of GIST cells. CTCF served as a transcription activator responsible for the overexpression of SNHG16 in GIST cells. MiR-128-3p was negatively regulated by SNHG16 and exerted anti-tumor effects. Moreover, CASC3 was the direct target mRNA of miR-128-3p, through which miR-128-3p exerted function influence on GIST cell malignant behaviors. SNHG16 competitively bound with miR-128-3p against CASC3, thus positively regulating CASC3 expression. Finally, functional assays carried out in vitro proved SNHG16 could modulate GIST cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis via miR-128-3p/CASC3 axis. Animal experiments were also designed and implemented in a rescue way and evidenced that up-regulation of CASC3 countervailed the inhibitory impacts of SNHG16 silence on the progression of GIST. In summary, SNHG16 up-regulated by CTCF facilitated the progression of GIST through miR-128-3p/CASC3.