Downregulation of long non‑coding RNA MR4435‑2HG suppresses breast cancer progression via the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Abstract

Extensive research has contributed to the current understanding of the critical roles played by long non‑coding RNAs in various types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of the long non‑coding RNA, MIR4435‑2HG (also termed LINC00978), in breast cancer growth and metastasis. Using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, an online web tool, it was revealed that MIR4435‑2HG was upregulated in breast cancer tissue, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database. MIR4435‑2HG knock‑ down increased cell apoptosis but decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion. MIR4435‑2HG knockdown increased pro‑apoptotic protein expression but decreased anti‑apoptotic protein expression. In addition, MIR4435‑2HG knockdown leads to dysregulation of epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition‑associ‑ ated genes. Furthermore, knockdown of MIR4435‑2HG results in inactivation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. The results of the present study demonstrate the tumor‑promoting role of MIR4435‑2HG in breast cancer progression.