Abstract
BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical functions within esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the function and mechanism underlying ESCC-associated lncRNA-1 (ESCCAL-1) in ESCC tumorigenesis have not been well clarified. METHODS: ESCCAL-1, miR-590 and LRP6 were quantified using qRT-PCR. Cell viability, migration and invasion abilities were measured using CCK-8 assay and transwell assays. The protein pression was determined with western blot assay. The xenograft model assays were used to examine the impact of ESCCAL-1 on tumorigenic effect in vivo. Direct relationships among ESCCAL-1, miR-590 and LRP6 were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: The present work discovered the ESCCAL-1 up-regulation within ESCC. Furthermore, ESCCAL-1 was found to interact with miR-590 and consequently restrict its expression. Functionally, knocking down ESCCAL-1 or over-expressing miR-590 hindered ESCC cell growth, invasion, and migration in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of miR-590 could reverse the effect of knockdown of ESCCAL-1 on cells. Importantly, it was confirmed that LRP6 was miR-590's downstream target and LRP6 over-expression also partly abolished the role of miR-590 overexpression in ESCC cells. CONCLUSION: We have uncovered a novel regulatory network comprising aberrant interaction of ESCCAL-1/miR-590/LRP6 participated in ESCC progression.