Background
Linc-ITGB1 is a newly identified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in the regulation of cell migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer cell lines, while its involvement in human hepatoma carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.
Conclusion
We conclude that lncRNA LINC-ITGB1 can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by up-regulating ROCK1.
Methods
In the present study, HCC patient tumor tissues, adjacent healthy tissues and whole blood were collected from both HCC patients and healthy controls. Expression of LINC-ITGB1 was examined by qRT-PCR. Diagnostic value of serum LINC-ITGB1 for HCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Correlation between the serum LINC-ITGB1 and basic clinical information of patients was analyzed by chi-square test. LINC-ITGB1 overexpression HCC cell lines were established and the effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were explored by CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay. Effects of LINC-ITGB1 overexpression on Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression were investigated by Western blot.
Results
We found that LINC-ITGB1 was up-regulated in tumor tissues than in adjacent healthy tissues. Serum levels of LINC-ITGB1 were higher in HCC patients than in healthy controls. Serum levels of LINC-ITGB1 were significantly correlated with tumor size and distant tumor metastasis. LINC-ITGB1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and the expression of ROCK1. ROCK1 inhibitor reduced the effects of LINC-ITGB1 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.