Long noncoding RNA AFAP1-AS1 accelerates the proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer via inhibiting RBM5 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) in tumor progression has caught many attentions. In this research, lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 was studied to identify how it functioned in the progression of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 expression was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in both prostate cancer cells and tissue samples. In addition, to identify the function of AFAP1-AS1 on prostate cancer in vitro, cell proliferation, transwell assay, and Matrigel assay were conducted. Furthermore, by performing qRT-PCR and Western blot assay, the underlying mechanism was explored. RESULTS: The expression level of AFAP1-AS1 was significantly higher in prostate cancer samples than that in corresponding ones. Additionally, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were inhibited after AFAP1-AS1 was knocked down in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of RBM5 were upregulated after AFAP1-AS1 was knocked down. Furthermore, the RBM5 expression level was negatively related to AFAP1-AS1 expression level in prostate cancer samples. CONCLUSIONS: AFAP1-AS1 acts as an oncogene in prostate cancer by enhancing cell metastasis and proliferation via suppressing RBM5, which might be a novel therapeutic strategy in treatment for prostate cancer.