Abstract
BACKGROUND: LncRNAs are crucial regulators of ovarian cancer, playing a significant role in malignant transformation and closely linked to poor prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the impact of lncRNAs on the malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer and to understand their underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Gene expression levels were measured using qRT-PCR. The malignant biological behavior of cells was assessed through cell biological function assays. The binding sites of target genes were predicted through bioinformatics analysis, and gene targeting relationships were verified using a dual-luciferase reporter gene(DLRG) assay. Protein expression levels were analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS: In ovarian cancer cells, the expression levels of HMMR-AS1 and PTN were upregulated, whereas the expression of miR-627-3p was downregulated. Cell biological function experiments demonstrated that HMMR-AS1 and PTN could enhance the malignant behavior of ovarian cancer cells, while miR-627-3p exhibited the opposite effect. The DLRG assay indicated that lncRNA HMMR-AS1 directly targets miR-627-3p, with PTN identified as the target gene of miR-627-3p. Western blotting indicated that lncRNA HMMR-AS1 promoted the expression of PTN protein, while miR-627-3p inhibited it. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that miR-627-3p or PTN could partially reverse the effects of lncRNA HMMR-AS1 on the malignant phenotype of ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, HMMR-AS1 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer and plays a carcinogenic role by regulating the miR-627-3p/PTN axis and suggest that targeting HMMR-AS1 is a potential strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.