LncRNA HOXA-AS2 promotes glioblastoma carcinogenesis by targeting miR-885-5p/RBBP4 axis

Abstract Background: LncRNA HOXA-AS2 has been found in the literature to deteriorate glioblastoma. However, its regulatory mechanism is yet to be fully investigated. Our study focused chiefly on the interaction and role of the HOXA-AS2/miR-885-5p/RBBP4 axis in the development of glioblastoma. Methods: qRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA in glioblastoma tissues and cells. Dual-luciferase assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay were later carried out to reveal the interactions among HOXA-AS2, miR-885-5p and RBBP4. After that, CCK-8 assay, BrdU assay, nude mice xenografting assay, western blot assay, and flow cytometry were carried out to analyze the effect of the HOXA-AS2/miR-885-5p/RBBP4 axis on glioblastoma samples. Results: HOXA-AS2 and RBBP4 were found to be overexpressed in glioblastoma. Experimental results showed that HOXA-AS2 and RBBP4 contributed to the tumorigenesis of glioblastoma cells. However, miR-885-5p was observed to be downregulated in glioblastoma. Findings also indicated that HOXA-AS2 could negatively regulate miR-885-5p, thereby enhancing RBBP4 expression. Conclusion: Overall, HOXA-AS2 promoted the tumorigenesis of glioblastoma by targeting and regulating miR-885-5p to induce the expression of RBBP4.