Exosomal long non-coding RNA LINC00662 promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression by miR-320d/E2F1 axis

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common tumor affecting modern people and is associated with severe morbidity and high mortality. Exosomal long non-coding RNAs as crucial regulators are involved in cancer progression. However, the role of exosomal IncRNA LINC00662 in the development of NSCLC remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the impact of exosomal IncRNA LINC00662 on the NSCLC progression and the underlying mechanism. Significantly, we revealed that the expression of IncRNA LINC00662 was elevated in the plasma exosome of NSCLC patients. Exosomal LINC00662 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration, and inhibited apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, LINC00662 was able to serve as a miR-320d sponge in NSCLC cells. MiR-320d could target E2F1 in NSCLC cells. Exosomal LINC00662 contributed to the progression of NSCLC by miR-320d/E2Fl axis in vitro. Remarkably, exosomal LINC00662 enhanced the tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo. Thus, we conclude that exosomal IncRNA LINC00662 promotes NSCLC progression by modulating miR-320d/E2Fl axis. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which exosomal IncRNA LINC00662 contributes to the development of NSCLC. LncRNA LINC00662, miR-320d, and E2F1 may serve as potential targets for NSCLC therapy.