Long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in melanoma

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Melanoma is a serious malignant cancer with a low survival rate. On a global scale, breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy and leading cause of cancer death in women. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used effectively as regulators and biomarkers in several cancers. Accordingly, the treatment plans of cancer patients could be made easier because of this. It has been reported that lncRNAs can play regulatory functions in various cancers, including melanoma. It is necessary to improve melanoma research programs and health policies, including in poor countries, around the world.

Objective: The function of lncRNA lung cancer associated transcript 1 (LUCAT1) in melanoma has still not been identified. In the present study, large-scale screening for the differentially expressed lncRNAs was performed by lncRNAs microarray and finding the relationship between LUCAT1 and stemness marker.

Methods and materials: LncRNA LUCAT1 expression was assessed in cancer tissues by in situ hybridization. Sphere-formation assay and colony-formation assay were used to detect cell self-renewal and proliferation, respectively. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify LUCAT1.

Results: Silenced LUCAT1 can reduce cell growth, migration and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis, of melanoma. Conversely, over-expressed LUCAT1 can promote the progression of melanoma cells.

Conclusions: The expression of LUCAT1 in melanoma cells was detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. We found that lncRNA LUCAT1 was significantly upregulated in melanoma cells. Then, we further searched the role of lncRNA LUCAT1 in melanoma. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2020; 34(4):293-300]

Key words: LUCAT1, melanoma, QRT-PCR assay, transwell migration, health science