The long noncoding RNA CCDC144NL-AS1: prognosis significance and potential biological functions in cervical carcinoma

Recent research has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) performs a critical regulatory function across multiple malignancies. The involvement of RNA in the progression of multiple human cancer types has been elucidated; however, there is limited understanding regarding the importance of the lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in cervical carcinoma (CC).

CCDC144NL-AS1 expression was measured in 86 CC samples by RT-PCR. CC cell lines were engineered with CCDC144NL-AS1 overexpression using plasmid vectors, allowing for the exploration of its impact on the migration of tumour cells. Additionally, we studied how CCDC144NL-AS1 impacts epithelial-mesenchymal transition signalling, focusing on its expression levels and functional roles.

CCDC144NL-AS1 expression showed a notable increase in gynaecological tumour specimens and cell lines in contrast to normal control (all p < 0.05). This expression exhibited relationships with the clinical stage (p = 0.003), histologic grade (p = 0.020), and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.013). Additionally, survival rates were found to be lower in CC patients with increased CCDC144NL-AS1 expression, as confirmed by multivariate analysis, compared to individuals with reduced expression levels (Hazard ratio = 1.960; p = 0.020). CCDC144NL-AS1 also facilitated increased cell viability and migration while triggering the EMT pathway. Xenograft models demonstrated that lower CCDC144NL-AS1 levels resulted in smaller tumours and longer survival (median survival: 43.5 vs. 35.5 days, p < 0.05).

CCDC144NL-AS1 significantly influences cell migration, making it a promising target for CC treatment and a valuable prognostic indicator.