DGUOK-AS1 promotes cervical squamous cell carcinoma progression by suppressing miR-499a-5p that targets SPRR1B in vitro

Purpose: Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) is the most common cancer type of cervical cancer, which threatens women's life seriously. LncRNA DGUOK-AS1has been reported to promote the biologic processes of CESC. We aim to figure out the role of DGUOK-AS1-miR-499a-5p-SPRR1B axis in modulating the CESC progression in vitro. Methods: The levels of DGUOK-AS1, miR-499a-5p, and SPRR1B in CESC tissues and cells were examined by RT-qPCR. The interaction of DGUOK-AS1-miR-499a-5p-SPRR1B was verified by luciferase assay. Inhibition of DGUOK-AS1, miR-499a-5p, and SPRR1B was applied for exploring the biological function based on detection of cell viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in CESC SiHa and HeLa cells. Results: DGUOK-AS1 and SPRR1B expressions were obviously elevated, whereas the expression of miR499a-5p was reduced in both CESC tissues and cells. Silencing of DGUOK-AS1 attenuated cell growth and boosted apoptosis of CESC cells. Notably, DGUOK-AS1 inhibited miR-499a-5p to release SPRR1B, which significantly accelerated the development of CESC. Conclusion: DGUOK-AS1sponging miR-499a-5p facilitated CESC cells progression by releasing SPRR1B in vitro. It provides a new sight for the treatment of CESC patients involving DGUOK-AS1-miR-499a-5pSPRR1B. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc.