Abstract
Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical functions in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth. In the present study, we showed that lncRNA‑CCAT1 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues. High expression of lncRNA‑CCAT1 was related to tumor growth and reduced survival rate. We used short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to inhibit the expression of lncRNA‑CCAT1 in NSCLC cells. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that lncRNA‑CCAT1 knockdown suppressed tumor proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, microRNA‑218 (miR‑218) was confirmed as an effective target of lncRNA‑CCAT1 in NSCLC. B lymphoma Mo‑MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI‑1), which served as a downstream target of miR‑218, was also inhibited by lncRNA‑CCAT1 knockdown. In conclusion, the present study indicated that upregulation of lncRNA‑CCAT1 in NSCLC is associated with tumor malignant potential. lncRNA‑CCAT1 enhances tumor growth in NSCLC by directly inhibiting miR‑218 and indirectly increasing BMI‑1 expression.