Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, as well as its function in cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty six de novo AML patients were consecutively enrolled and then underwent conventional induction chemotherapy. Bone marrow samples were obtained from all AML patients and controls. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to detect lncRNA TUG1 expression. KG-1 cells were transfected by TUG1 inhibitor (TUG1 (-)) and blank inhibitor (NC (-)) plasmids. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK8 and AV/PI assays, and apoptotic markers expressions were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS: LncRNA TUG1 expression was higher in AML patients compared to controls, and it was positively correlated with white blood cell counts as well as poor risk stratification. Additionally, elevated lncRNA TUG1 expression was observed in non-complete remission (non-CR) patients compared to CR patients, and it was correlated with shorter event-free survival and overall survival in AML patients. In the in vitro experiments, lncRNA TUG1 expression was upregulated in AML cell lines compared to control cells, and cell proliferation ability was reduced, but cell apoptosis rate was promoted in TUG1 (-) group compared to NC (-) group at 72 hours after transfection in KG-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA TUG1 predicts advanced disease conditions and poor prognosis in AML patients, and its knockout decreases proliferation and increases apoptosis of AML cells.