Observation of the high-expression of long-chain non-coding RNA LINC00319 and promotion of cell migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo investigate the level and clinical significance of LINC00319 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and analyze the potential underlying mechanisms.

MethodsThe LINC00319 expression level in HCC was checked by real time quantitative PCR method, and the relationship among LINC00319 expression level, clinical pathological features and survival rate were analyzed.Transwell assay was performed to measure the invasion and migration of effects of LINC00319 on HCC cells.The expression of EMT-related protein was determined by Western blotting.

ResultsThe expression level of LINC00319 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in the adjacent normal tissues(P < 0.01), and it was significantly associated with TNM stage and vascular infiltration(P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).Patients in the higher LINC00319 group had a worse 5-year survival than those in the lower LINC00319 group(P < 0.01).Down-expression of LINC00319 significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells(P < 0.01).Down-expression of LINC00319 inhibited the EMT of HCC(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsLINC00319 is up-regulated in HCC tissues.Its high expression is correlated with the malignant clinical pathological features.LINC00319 high-expression regulates EMT and subsequently promotes invasion and migration of HCC cells.