Knockdown of lncRNA DLEU1 inhibits the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulation of miR-149-5p/CDK6 axis

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC ) is a frequent malignant tumor worldwide. Long non-coding RNA s (lncRNA s) are known to play key roles in different types of cancer, including OSCC . It was previously reported that lncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukemia 1 (DLEU 1) is notably upregulated in OSCC ; however, the role of DLEU 1 in OSCC remains unclear. Gene and protein expression levels in OSCC cells were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively, in the present study. A Transwell assay was performed to measure cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the interaction between DLEU 1, microRNA (miR)-149-5p and CD K6 in OSCC cells. DLEU 1 expression was negatively associated with the survival rate of patients with OSCC . In addition, silencing of DLEU 1 notably inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells by inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, DLEU 1 directly bound to miR-149-5p, and CD K6 was found to be the direct target of miR-149-5p. Furthermore, DLEU 1 knockdown-induced inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation was significantly reversed by the miR-149-5p antagomir. Knockdown of lncRNA DLEU 1 reversed the proliferation of OSCC cells via regulation of the miR-149-5p/CD K6 axis. Thus, DLEU 1 may serve as a novel target for treating OSCC .