Long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion by targeting miR-143-3p in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND:The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) is dysregulated in many types of tumors; however, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. This study aims to determine the effect of lncRNA UCA1 on OSCC. METHODS:Fifty-six paired OSCC and adjacent nontumorous tissues were collected and the levels of UCA1, miR-143-3p, and MYO6 in the tissues were evaluated by qRT-PCR. In in vitro experiments, cell viability, migration, and invasion were measured by, respectively, performing CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays. The target relationships among UCA1, miR-143-3p, and MYO6 were verified by dual-luciferase assay. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to determine the protein levels. Xenograft mouse model was established to explore the effects of UCA1 in vivo. RESULTS:Levels of UCA1 and MYO6 were increased significantly in OSCC, while the level of miR-143-3p was decreased compared with the adjacent nontumorous tissues. UCA1 promoted OSCC cell growth, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo, while miR-143-3p reversed the progression. MYO6 was validated as a target for miR-143-3p, and MYO6 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-143-3p mimic on OSCC cells. CONCLUSION:LncRNA UCA1 contributes to the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC cells by targeting miR-143-3p and upregulating its downstream gene MYO6. UCA1 could serve as a promising novel target therapy for treatment of OSCC.