Long non-coding RNA CASC9 and HIF-1α form a positive feedback loop to facilitate cell proliferation and metastasis in lung cancer

Abstract

Background: The long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility 9 (CASC9) has been recognized as an important modulator of cell growth and metastasis in many cancers. However, its detailed roles in lung cancer remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate its functions and molecular mechanism in lung cancer progression. Methods: Expression of CASC9 was determined in lung cancer tissues and cell lines by real-time PCR. CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were done to evaluate the cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities in vitro. Real-time PCR, Western blot and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to dissect the mechanisms. Results: CASC9 was overexpressed in lung cancer specimens and cell lines. Knockdown of CASC9 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in lung cancer cells. While overexpression of CASC9 in normal lung epithelial cells did the opposite. CASC9 interacted with HIF-1α and enhanced its protein stability. They formed a positive feedback loop by reciprocally inducing each other expression and regulated cell proliferation and metastasis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated a novel regulatory signaling pathway, namely the CASC9/HIF-1α axis, which was involved in lung cancer progression. These findings can provide valuable insights on the potential therapy application for lung cancer.