LINC00917 Promotes Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer by Targeting the miR-491-5p/FOXP4 Axis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women.
• Bone metastasis significantly worsens patient prognosis and quality of life.
• Identifying novel molecular targets for breast cancer bone metastasis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of LINC00917 in breast cancer bone metastasis.
• To explore the regulatory relationship between LINC00917 and miR-491-5p.
• To determine if LINC00917 serves as a prognostic marker for breast cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• RT-qPCR to quantify LINC00917 levels in 254 breast cancer patients.
• Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for prognostic evaluation.
• In vitro assays (CCK-8, Transwell) and dual-luciferase reporter assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• LINC00917 expression was significantly upregulated in metastatic breast cancer tissues and associated with poor prognosis.
• Knockdown of LINC00917 inhibited cancer cell function, suppressed osteoclastogenesis, and promoted osteoblast differentiation.
• MiR-491-5p inhibition reversed the effects of LINC00917 knockdown, suggesting a regulatory axis.

Conclusions:

• LINC00917 is a potential prognostic biomarker for breast cancer bone metastasis.
• LINC00917 promotes bone metastasis by modulating the miR-491-5p/FOXP4 pathway.
• Targeting LINC00917 may offer a therapeutic strategy for preventing breast cancer bone metastasis.