Long noncoding RNA vps9d1-as1 sequesters microrna-525-5p to promote the oncogenicity of colorectal cancer cells by upregulating hmga1

Abstract

Background: The long noncoding RNA VPS9D1 antisense RNA 1 (VPS9D1-AS1) has emerged as a critical regulator in non-small-cell lung, gastric, and prostate cancers. In this study, we measured the expression levels of VPS9D1-AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and determined the role of VPS9D1-AS1 in regulating the biological activities of CRC cells. In addition, we thoroughly elucidated the molecular mechanism mediating the oncogenic activities of VPS9D1-AS1 in CRC. Methods: The expression levels of VPS9D1-AS1 in CRC tissues and cell lines were detected via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Loss-of-function experiments were performed to detect the effects of VPS9D1-AS1 silencing on CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion as well as on tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the potential microRNAs (miRNAs) interacting with VPS9D1-AS1, and this prediction was further confirmed via RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Results: Our results demonstrated the upregulated expression of VPS9D1-AS1 in CRC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, VPS9D1-AS1 interference suppressed CRC cell prolif-eration, migration, and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. In addition, the loss of VPS9D1-AS1 hindered tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies identified VPS9D1-AS1 as a competing endogenous RNA in CRC cells, in which VPS9D1-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-525-5p and consequently increased the expression of high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1). Moreover, rescue experiments revealed that the regulatory effects of VPS9D1-AS1 deficiency on CRC cells were abolished after miR-525-5p inhibition or HMGA1 restoration. Conclusion: The newly identified competing endogenous RNA pathway involving VPS9D1-AS1, miR-525-5p, and HMGA1 is implicated in the control of CRC progression and may provide an effective target for CRC diagnosis and therapy.