Long non-coding RNA LINC00470 regulates the growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human oral cancer cells

Purpose: To investigate the role of long non-coding RNA LINC00470 in human oral cancer tissues and cell lines (OC3, SCC9 and CAL27). Methods: Expression of mRNA was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and proliferation were measured using MTT and EdU assays, respectively, while cell migration and invasion were determined with transwell assay. Protein expression was assayed with western blotting. Results: There was significant up-regulation of LINC00470 in the cancer tissues and cell lines (OC3, SCC9 and CAL27) (p < 0.05). Silencing of LINC00470 led to significant inhibition of the proliferation and colony-formation potential of the oral cancer cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, silencing of LINC00470 in oral cancer cell lines caused significant induction of apoptosis, suppression of migration and invasion, and restoration of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusion: These results strongly demonstrate the oncogenic role of LINC00470 in oral cancer, thereby suggesting its possible prognostic and therapeutic potential in this lethal malignancy.