LncRNA PRNCR1 aggravates the malignancy of oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-326/FSCN1 axis.

Objective The important regulatory mechanism of lncRNA PRNCR1 has been emphasized in malignant tumors. However, the role of lncRNA PRNCR1 remains unclear in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The purpose of this study is to reveal the role of lncRNA PRNCR1 in OSCC. Patients and methods RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expression. The functional mechanism of lncRNA PRNCR1 in OSCC was investigated by CCK-8, transwell and Luciferase reporter assays. Results LncRNA PRNCR1 was upregulated in OSCC and promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. LncRNA PRNCR1 directly binds to miR-326. The mutual inhibition between the expressions of lncRNA PRNCR1 and miR-326 was identified in OSCC. In addition, miR-326 restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion in OSCC. Further, miR-326 directly targets FSCN1. FSCN1 expression was positively regulated by lncRNA PRNCR1 in OSCC. And FSCN1 promoted the progression of OSCC and aggravated the carcinogenic effect of lncRNA PRNCR1 in OSCC. Conclusions LncRNA PRNCR1 promotes the progression of OSCC by functioning as a miR-326 'sponge' to upregulate FSCN1 expression.