LncRNA CASC19 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung carcinoma via regulating miRNA-130b-3p

OBJECTIVE: To uncover the biological role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CASC19 in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the potential mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression pattern of lncRNA CASC19 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival analysis on the correlation between CASC19 level and prognosis of NSCLC patients was conducted by introducing for the Kaplan-Meier estimator. After the transfection of si-CASC19 in A549 and PC9 cells, changes in viability, migratory, and invasive capacities were evaluated. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to explore the interaction between microRNA-130b-3p (miRNA-130b-3p) and CASC19/ZEB2. Their interactive effects on the progression of NSCLC were finally investigated through rescue experiments. RESULTS: LncRNA CASC19 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. NSCLC patients with high expression of CASC19 presented a worse survival. Knockdown of CASC19 attenuated proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of A549 and PC9 cells. CASC19 sponged miRNA-130b-3p and negatively regulated its level. ZEB2 was the direct target of miRNA-130b-3p. The knockdown of miRNA-130b-3p reversed the regulatory effects of CASC19 on A549 and PC9 cells. CONCLUSIONS: CASC19 sponges miRNA130b-3p to regulate ZBR2 as a ceRNA, thus accelerating the progression of NSCLC by regulating proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of tumor cells.