Abstract
Accumulating studies suggest that Huaier exerts anti-tumor effects through intricate mechanisms. Despite extensive research on its efficacy in lung cancer, further investigation is required to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Huaier. The involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the anti-lung cancer effects of Huaier remains unknown. In this study, we found Huaier suppressed cell viability, migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. LncRNA sequencing analysis revealed Deleted in lymphocytic leukemia 2 (DLEU2) to be significantly downregulated in Huaier-treated NSCLC cells. Furthermore, DLEU2 silencing was observed to suppress NSCLC progression, while DLEU2 overexpression attenuated the anti-tumor effects of Huaier in NSCLC, thereby promoting cell viability, migration and invasion of NSCLC. The ceRNA role of DLEU2 had been demonstrated in NSCLC, which directly interacted with miR-212-5p to rescue the repression of E74 Like ETS Transcription Factor 3 (ELF3) by this microRNA. Additionally, Huaier was found to regulate the expression of miR-212-5p and ELF3. Functionally, miR-212-5p inhibitor or ELF3 overexpression reversed the effects of DLEU2 silencing or Huaier treatment, resulting in increased colony formation, migration and invasion in NSCLC. Taken together, these results illuminate the mechanism underlying Huaier's anti-tumor effects via the DLEU2/miR-212-5p/ELF3 signaling pathway, which offers novel insights into the anti-tumor effects of Huaier and constitutes a promising therapeutic target for the treatment in NSCLC.