Long non‑coding RNA UCA1 enhances cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating microRNA‑299‑3p expression

Abstract

ciated 1 (UCA1) is an important regulator in several tumors. However, to the best of our knowledge, the clinical roles of UCA1 in cervical cancer remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of UCA1 in cervical cancer. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect UCA1 and microRNA (miR)‑299‑3p expres‑ sion in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The Cell Counting Kit‑8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess cell prolifer‑ ation and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the association between UCA1 and miR‑299‑3p. Rescue experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of the UCA1/miR‑299‑3p axis. The results demonstrated that UCA1 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpres‑ sion of UCA1 enhanced the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, the effects of which were reversed following UCA1 knockdown. Notably, UCA1 interacted with miR‑299‑3p and negatively regulated miR‑299‑3p expression. In addition, miR‑299‑3p expression was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR‑299‑3p suppressed the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, reversing the effects of UCA1 knockdown on cervical cancer cell prolif‑ eration. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that UCA1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR‑299‑3p expression in cervical cancer.