Long noncoding RNA LINC00978 promotes cancer growth and acts as a diagnostic biomarker in gastric cancer

ObjectivesLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer development and progression. The deregulated expression of LINC00978 has been reported in human cancers. However, the expression pattern and biological roles of LINC00978 in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential roles and clinical value of LINC00978 in gastric cancer. Materials and methodsQRT-PCR was performed to investigate the expression of LINC00978 in gastric cancer cell lines, tissues and serum samples. Cell counting, colony formation, transwell migration and matrigel invasion assays were performed to determine the effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown of LINC00978 on gastric cancer cell functions. In vivo tumour growth assay was also conducted. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blot and qRT-PCR were used for potential mechanism study. ResultsLINC00978 expression level was elevated in GC tumour tissues, serum samples and cell lines. The expression level of LINC00978 was significantly correlated with tumour size (P=0.02), lymphatic metastasis (P=0.009) and TNM stage (P=0.009). LINC00978 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of GC cells by suppressing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. LINC00978 knockdown also inhibited the migration and invasion of GC cells. In addition, LINC00978 knockdown inhibited the activation of TGF-/SMAD signalling pathway and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC cells. Moreover, the in vivo tumorigenicity of LINC00978 knockdown GC cells in mice was significantly decreased. ConclusionsLINC00978 promotes gastric cancer progression and may serve as a potential biomarker for GC.