Abstract
Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is implicated in the progression of multiple cancers. This study aimed to explore the expression characteristics, biological function and molecular mechanism of lncRNA HAGLROS expression in NSCLC. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was adopted to detect HAGLROS expression in NSCLC tissues and normal lung tissues. Survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were respectively established to investigate the biological functions of HAGLROS, miR-100 and SMARCA5. MTT and Transwell assays were carried out to monitor the changes in proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to verify the binding sites between HAGLROS and miR-100. Western blot was performed to determine the regulatory effects of HAGLROS and miR-100 on SMARCA5 protein expression. Results: Up-regulated HAGLROS expression was observed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Over-expressed HAGLROS promoted the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells; conversely, HAGLROS knockdown repressed the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells. HAGLROS repressed miR-100 expression to promote SMARCA5 expression in NSCLC cells, and miR-100 overexpression or SMARCA5 knockdown counteracted the oncogenic functions of HAGLROS. Conclusions: These results conclude that HAGLROS is a tumor promoter in NSCLC, and it regulates the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells via miR-100/SMARCA5 axis.