Upregulation of long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 promotes cell growth and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting miR-577.

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most malignant type of esophageal cancer. Although significant advances have been made in ESCC diagnosis and therapy, its poor pathogenesis and prognosis remain a life-threatening problem. Meanwhile, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert a pivotal function in tumorigenesis. In this research, we aimed to explore the association between the aberrant expression of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 and the development and metastasis of ESCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DLX6-AS1 expression was monitored by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in ESCC specimens. Moreover, experiments were conducted to detect the effect of DLX6-AS1 on the cell proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. In addition, the underlying mechanism was further explored through luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP). RESULTS: DLX6-AS1 expression level was significantly higher in ESCC specimens. Moreover, cell proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells could be inhibited via reducing DLX6-AS1 expression. Besides, DLX6-AS1 was regarded as an oncogene in ESCC. Furthermore, DLX6-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA via sponging miR-577 in ESCC. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, DLX6-AS1 promotes development and metastasis of ESCC by sponging miR-577 and could be a potential therapeutic target.