Long noncoding RNA SNHG1 promotes TERT expression by sponging miR-18b-5p in breast cancer

Abstract Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) plays a positive role in the progression of human malignant tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of SNHG1 remains elusive in breast cancer. Results: LncRNA SNHG1 was upregulated and had a positive relationship with poor prognosis according to bioinformatics analysis. Silencing SNHG1 inhibited tumorigenesis in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SNHG1 functioned as a ceRNA to promote TERT expression by sponging miR-18b-5p. Moreover, miR-18b-5p acted as a tumor repressor in breast cancer. Finally, E2F1, a transcription factor, enhanced SNHG1 transcription.Conclusions: Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic mechanism of lncRNA SNHG1 in breast cancer. Importantly, we identified a novel E2F1–SNHG1–miR-18b-5p–TERT axis, which may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.