LINC01224/ZNF91 Promote Stem Cell-Like Properties and Drive Radioresistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Radioresistance is the main reason for the failure of radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the molecular mechanism of radioresistance is still unclear. Methods: An RNA-Seq assay was used to screen differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and genes in irradiation-resistant NSCLC cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting assays were performed to analyze the expressions of lncRNAs and genes. The chromosome conformation capture (3C) assay was performed to measure chromatin interactions. Cell cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, sphere formation and Transwell assays were performed to assess cellular function. Results: In this study, it was found that LINC01224 increased during the induction of radioresistance in NSCLC cells. LINC01224 was located within the enhancer of ZNF91, and LINC01224 could affect the transcription of ZNF91 by regulating the long-range interactions between the ZNF91 enhancer and promoter. Moreover, upregulation of LINC01224 and ZNF91 could promote irradiation resistance by regulating the stem cell-like properties of NSCLC cells. In addition, high expression levels of LINC01224 and ZNF91 in tissue samples were associated with radioresistance in NSCLC patients. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that LINC01224/ZNF91 drove radioresistance regulation by promoting the stem cell-like properties in NSCLC.