LncRNA THUMPD3-AS1 promotes invasion and EMT in gastric cancer by regulating the miR-1297/BCAT1 pathway

Objective: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant regulators in gastric cancer（GC）; However, studies of their mechanisms of action are needed to determine their clinical value. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of action of THUMPD3-AS1 in GC. Methods: Candidate lncRNAs and mRNAs were getted from The Cancer Genome Atlas, revealing the differential expression and prognostic significance of THUMPD3-AS1-BCAT1 in GC. qRT-PCR was performed to detect THUMPD3-AS1 levels in GC samples and cell lines. CCK8, scratch wound healing, and Transwell assays as well as experiments in vivo were conducted to evaluate the function of THUMPD3-AS1 in GC. Related genes were analysed to detect interactions between THUMPD3-AS1, BCAT1, and miR-1297. Results: THUMPD3-AS1 levels were significantly elevated in GC and were positively correlated with poor prognosis. Functionally, THUMPD3-AS1 promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induced tumour growth in vivo. THUMPD3-AS1 regulated BCAT1 by competitively binding to miR-1297; further analyses revealed that both THUMPD3-AS1 and miR-1297 can interact with BCAT1. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that THUMPD3-AS1 promotes GC cell invasion and EMT via the miR-1297/BCAT1 pathway, suggesting that THUMPD3-AS1 is a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.