LncRNA LINC01123 promotes malignancy of ovarian cancer by targeting hsa-miR-516b-5p/VEGFA.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the development of ovarian cancer (OC). The study aimed to determine the role of LncRNA LINC01123 in OC bio-progression, which is upregulated in OC tissues during OC progression. Bioinformatics methods, GEPIA, and qRT-PCR were used to reveal the level and correlation of LINC01123, hsa-miR-516b-5p, and VEGFA, in OC cell lines. MTT, EdU, TUNEL, and Transwell assays were performed to assess the bioactivity of OC cell. Target sites of LINC01123 and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using Starbase, and the potential linkage points of VEGFA and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using TargetScan. These sites and linkage points were confirmed by double luciferase reporter assay. LINC01123 was upregulated in OC cell lines and LINC01123 silencing suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of OC cells, but promoted cell apoptosis. hsa-miR-516b-5p was linked to LINC01123 and. VEGFA was downstream of hsa-miR-516b-5p. Importantly, silencing of hsa-miR-516b-5p reversed the inhibitory impact of si-LINC01123. The result of hsa-miR-516b-5p inhibitor + si-LINC01123 co-transfection were rescued by si-VEGFA. LINC01123 promotes OC development by dampening miR-516b-5p function, and may be a novel target for treating OC.