Potential diagnostic and prognostic value and regulatory relationship of long noncoding RNA CCAT1 and miR-130a-3p in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could interact with each other to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of cancers. We aimed to examine the expression profile, clinical significance and regulatory relationship of miR-130a-3p and its predicted interactive lncRNA in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict lncRNAs binding with miR-130a-3p. qRT-PCR was employed to detect the expression levels of miR-130a-3p and the miRNA-targeted lncRNA, and their clinical values in ccRCC were clarified. The lncRNA sponge potential of miR-130a-3p was assessed through dual-luciferase reporter assay and the biological effects of them were observed. Results Colon cancer associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) directly interacted with miR-130a-3p and negatively regulated miR-130a-3p expression. CCAT1 was upregulated and miR-130a-3p was downregulated in ccRCC cell line and tissues (all P < 0.05). High CCAT1 and low miR-130a-3p expression was correlated with larger tumor size and advanced TNM stage in ccRCC patients. High CCAT1 level suggested a poor survival prognosis. There was a negative association between CCAT1 and miR-130a-3p expression (r = − 0.373, P = 0.010). MiR-130a-3p mimic and si-CCAT1 inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation and invasion, and induced apoptosis. Conclusions CCAT1/miR-130a-3p axis may have potential to serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic target of ccRCC patients.