Long Non-Coding RNA PITPNA-AS1 Accelerates the Progression of Colorectal Cancer Through miR-129-5p/HMGB1 Axis.

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. This work aimed to delve into the characteristics of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 in CRC.

Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was adopted to examine PITPNA-AS1, miR-129-5p, high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) mRNA expressions in CRC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays were employed to examine cell proliferation; wound healing assay was utilized to detect cell migration; and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and Western blot were conducted to detect the regulatory relationships among PITPNA-AS1, miR-129-5p and HMGB1.

Results: PITPNA-AS1 and HMGB1 mRNA expressions were observably elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Knocking down PITPNA-AS1 could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis of CRC cells. PITPNA-AS1 could serve as a competitive endogenous RNA, and up-regulate HMGB1 expression by adsorbing miR-129-5p.

Conclusions: PITPNA-AS1 can expedite CRC cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis through miR-129-5p/HMGB1 axis.