LncRNA TP73-AS1 down-regulates miR-139-3p to promote retinoblastoma cell proliferation

Abstract

Our study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) TP73-AS1 in retinoblastoma (Rb). In the present study, we found that TP73-AS1 was up-regulated, while miR-139-3p was down-regulated in Rb. TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were inversely correlated in Rb tissues. In cells of Rb cell lines, overexpression of miR-139-3p failed to affect TP73-AS1, while TP73-AS1 overexpression caused the down-regulated miR-139-3p TP73-AS1 overexpression caused promoted proliferation of Rb cells but showed no significant effects on cell migration and invasion. miR-139-3p overexpression played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of TP73-AS1 overexpression. Therefore, lncRNA TP73-AS1 may down-regulate miR-139-3p to promote Rb cell proliferation.

Keywords: lncRNA TP73-AS1; miR-139-3p; proliferation; retinoblastoma.

Figure 1. TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were dysregulated in Rb tissues

Analysis of TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p expression data showed that TP73-AS1 was significantly up-regulated (A), while miR-139-3p was significantly down-regulated (B) in Rb tissues than in non-cancer tissues of Rb patients (*P<0.05).

Figure 2. TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were affected by the development of Rb

Analysis of TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p analysis by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test showed that expression levels of TP73-AS1 increased (A), while expression levels of miR-139-3p decreased (B) with the development of Rb. Group A, tumor size below 3 mm, not lose to foveola or optic disc, only in the retina; Group B, tumor larger than 3 mm, close to foveola or optic disc, only in the retina; Group C, small amounts of spread into the jelly-like material or under the retina; Group D, subretinal seeding or widespread vitreous; Group E, large tumor extends near the front of the eye, glaucoma or bleeding, (*P<0.05).

Figure 3. TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were inversely correlated

Linear regression revealed a significant and reverse correlation between TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p was found in Rb tissues (A), but not in non-cancer tissues (B).

Figure 4. TP73-AS1 down-regulated miR-139-3p to promote the proliferation of Rb cells

Comparing to C (Control) and NC (Negative control), expression levels of TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were significantly up-regulated at 24 h after transfection (A). Comparing to the two controls, overexpression of miR-139-3p failed to affect TP73-AS1 (B), while TP73-AS1 overexpression caused down-regulated miR-139-3p (C). Moreover, TP73-AS1 overexpression caused promoted proliferation of both WERI-Rb-1 and Y79 cells (D). In addition, miR-139-3p overexpression played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of TP73-AS1 overexpression (^*P<0.05).