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Long non-coding RNA LGALS8-AS1 facilitates PLAGL2-mediated malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer
Gang Wang1,2, Kuan Shen1, Jian Xiao1
1Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
Background:
Great progress has been made in studying the function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in various tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). However, there are still numerous lncRNAs that have not yet been studied and explored for their roles in GC, and their important functions need to be further revealed.
Methods:
Through analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database combined with bioinformatics survival tools, a novel GC-related lncRNA LGALS8-AS1 was identified. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and a series of in vitro or in vivo cell functional experiments were performed to determine the expression and the role of LGALS8-AS1/miR-138-5p/PLAGL2 in GC.
Results:
LGALS8-AS1 was remarkably upregulated and correlated with the unfavorable prognosis in GC. Higher expression of LGALS8-AS1 was positively associated with higher lymph node metastasis rate, as well as larger tumor size. In addition, a series of cell functional experiments revealed that LGALS8-AS1 could facilitate GC cell proliferation, migration and metastasis in vitro or in vivo. A deeper mechanism exploration revealed that LGALS8-AS1 could function as the miR-138-5p molecular sponge and upregulate the PLAGL2 expression, thereby promoting the cell proliferation, migration and metastasis in GC.
Conclusions:
In brief, we revealed the tumor promoting role of the LGALS8-AS1/miR-138-5p/PLAGL2 molecular signaling axis in GC, and our findings provide enlightenment for further understanding of the mechanism of tumorigenesis and development of GC, making LGALS8-AS1 a possible new diagnostic or therapeutic target for GC.
Insights
This study identifies long non-coding RNA LGALS8-AS1 as a promoter of gastric cancer (GC) progression. Upregulated LGALS8-AS1 facilitates GC cell proliferation and metastasis by sponging miR-138-5p and increasing PLAGL2 expression, suggesting it as a potential GC therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) research has advanced, but many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) roles remain unexplored.
- Identifying novel lncRNAs is crucial for understanding GC tumorigenesis and developing new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel gastric cancer-related lncRNAs.
- To elucidate the functional role and molecular mechanism of LGALS8-AS1 in GC progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and bioinformatics survival analysis to identify LGALS8-AS1.
- Employed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for expression analysis.
- Conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the functional role of LGALS8-AS1 and its downstream targets (miR-138-5p, PLAGL2).
Main Results:
- LGALS8-AS1 was significantly upregulated in GC and associated with poor prognosis, higher lymph node metastasis, and larger tumor size.
- LGALS8-AS1 promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
- LGALS8-AS1 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-138-5p, leading to increased PLAGL2 expression and subsequent promotion of GC progression.
Conclusions:
- The LGALS8-AS1/miR-138-5p/PLAGL2 axis plays a significant role in promoting gastric cancer.
- LGALS8-AS1 represents a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
- Findings enhance understanding of GC tumorigenesis and development mechanisms.
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