Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tumour growth and development are dependent on many factors including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, limited information is available on the involvement of lncRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the molecular mechanisms have not been defined. Here, we examined the expression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) and its contribution to the development of NSCLC. METHODS: We detected SNHG3, miR-216a, and ZEB1 expression in tissues from NSCLC patients and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proliferation, migrations, invasion, and apoptosis of tumour cells were assessed using cell counting kit-8, transwell experiments, and flow cytometry after SNHG3 knockdown by small interfering RNAs. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays were employed for analysing the interactions between SNHG3, miR-216a, and ZEB1. RESULTS: We found highly upregulated SNHG3 in tissues and cells from NSCLC patients, which was linked to poor prognosis. SNHG3 silencing diminished the ability of NSCLC cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, SNHG3 competed with endogenous RNA and enhanced the expression of ZEB1 by interfering with miR-216a. ZEB1 overexpression or miR-216a blockade reversed SNHG3-induced tumour inhibition. Similar effects were observed in vivo where SNHG3 knockdown inhibited NSCLC tumour growth by reducing expression of miR-216a while increasing that of ZEB1. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of SNHG3 inhibits NSCLC tumour development and progression by upregulation of ZEB1 and interference with miR-216a, revealing an attractive alternative target for patients with NSCLC.