LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 Induces Gefitinib Resistance of Lung Adenocarcinoma Through the miR-653-5p/AGR2 Axis

Purpose: Gefitinib resistance limits the therapeutic efficacy of gefitinib to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The goal of this research is to learn more about the lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 and how it functions in gefitinib-resistant LUAD cells. Methods: RT-qPCR was performed to test the expression of AFAP1-AS1, miR-653-5p and AGR2 in LUAD tissues with acquired resistance to gefitinib or not as well as in gefitinib-resistant LUAD cells. Cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were measured by CCK8 assays, transwell invasion assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-653-5p and AFAP1-AS1 or AGR2 interactions. Results: In gefitinib-resistant LUAD cells and tissues, AFAP1-AS1 was overexpressed. Meanwhile, silencing AFAP1-AS1 reduced proliferation and migration while increasing apoptosis and gefitinib sensitivity. Mechanically, AFAP1-AS1 sequestered the miR-653-5p and blocked the inhibition of miR-653-5p to AGR2 and stepwise upregulated AGR2 overexpression in LUAD gefitinib resistant cells, resulting gefitinib resistance in LUAD. Conclusion: AFAP1-AS1 promotes gefitinib-resistance LUAD cells through a previously unrecognized miR-653-5p/AGR2 axis, suggesting targeting AFAP1-AS1/miR-653-5p/AGR2 axis might be a promising way for LUAD intervention.