Long Noncoding RNA UCA1 Is Related to Autophagy and Apoptosis in Endometrial Stromal Cells

RESEARCH QUESTION: The expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) in embryonic tissues is higher than that in most cancer tissues, such as bladder cancer, indicating that RNA is a carcinoembryonic antigen. However, there are no published reports on the role of UCA1 in endometriosis (EMS). Therefore, to address this gap in knowledge, we assessed the potential role of lncRNA UCA1 in the pathogenesis and progression of EMS. DESIGN: To verify the expression of UCA1 in EMS, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used. RNA interference (siRNA) was used to study the biological function of UCA1 in EMS in vitro. RESULTS: qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of lncRNA UCA1 in EMS was increased (P<0.01). Knockdown of UCA1 in vitro significantly inhibited the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and induced autophagy and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: UCA1 is highly expressed in EMS and promotes the proliferation of ESCs but suppresses autophagy and apoptosis. In EMS, UCA1 may be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.