The NEAT1/miR-506-3p/STAT3 axis promotes uveal melanoma progression and represents a potential therapeutic target

Uveal melanoma (UM), a prevalent intraocular malignancy with a high rate of metastasis, particularly to the liver, presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the absence of effective treatments. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are under scrutiny for their roles in cancer, with lncRNA-NEAT1 identified as a key contributor to tumor growth. Our study delves into the aberrant expression of NEAT1, miR-506-3p, and STAT3 in UM cells compared with retinal pigment epithelial cells, revealing their impact on UM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Interventions targeting NEAT1 inhibition or miR-506-3p overexpression restrict UM cell viability, migration, and invasion. Conversely, increasing NEAT1 expression or suppressing miR-506-3p enhances these biological behaviors. Bioinformatic tools and dual-luciferase assays validated the specific binding of miR-506-3p to NEAT1 and its regulatory effect on STAT3. Rescue experiments further confirmed these interactions, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the NEAT1/miR-506-3p/STAT3 axis in UM. The NEAT1/miR-506-3p/STAT3 axis has emerged as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for UM, providing a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of this challenging malignancy.