Long non‑coding RNA DSCAM‑AS1 functions as an oncogene in thyroid cancer via regulating miR‑211

Long non-coding RNA Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule-antisense 1 (DSCAM-AS1) has been reported to play key roles in the progression and initiation of several cancer types. However, the various functional roles of DSCAM-AS1 in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis remain largely elusive. In the present study, the expression of DSCAM-AS1 was examined in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, Transwell and clonogenic assays were conducted to detect cell proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation, respectively. The association of DSCAM-AS1 with microRNA 211 (miR-211) was determined by luciferase reporter assay. It was found that the expression of DSCAM-AS1 was upregulated in thyroid cancer cells and tissues. Furthermore, enhanced DSCAM-AS1 expression was positively associated with lymph node metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis stage. Functional experiments demonstrated that DSCAM-AS1 knockdown inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of TPC-1 cells. Mechanistically, DSCAM-AS1 could bind to miR-211. Prevention of miR-211 by a miR-211 inhibitor reversed the effect of DSCAM-AS1 depletion in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis. Briefly, the current findings suggested that knockdown of DSCAM-AS1 suppressed the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer via regulating miR-211, suggesting that DSCAM-AS1 may be a favorable therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.