LINC00844 suppresses tumor progression and predicts survival outcomes through inhibiting miR-19a-5p in cholangiocarcinoma

ABSTRACT

Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous malignancy. The aim of the study was to investigate the regulatory role of long noncoding RNA LINC00844 in CCA progression, explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, and to analyze the potential prognostic value of LINC00844 in CCA patients. Methods Expression of LINC00844 in CCA cell lines and tissues was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to assess CCA cell proliferation, and the Transwell assay was used to evaluate tumor cell migration and invasion. miRNAs sponged by LINC00844 were predicted and confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the survival prognosis of CCA patients. Results The expression levels of LINC00844 were decreased in CCA tissues and cells. Overexpression of LINC00844 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CCA cells. miR-19a-5p is directly targeted by LINC00844, mediating the inhibitory effects of LINC00844 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells. LINC00844 and miR-19a-5p expression were associated with differentiation and tumor node metastasis stage in CCA patients. CCA patients with low LINC00844 expression or overexpression of miR-19a-5p had worse overall survival. Conclusion The expression levels of LINC00844 were decreased in both CCA tissues and cells, and high LINC00844 inhibited CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion through sponging miR-19a-5p. Low LINC00844 and high miR-19a-5p expression were associated with worse overall survival in CCA patients. All the data suggested that the LINC00844/miR-19a-5p axis may provide novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for CCA patients (AU)