Long non-coding RNA LINC00336 as an independent prognostic indicator and an oncogenic lncRNA in bladder cancer

INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and progression of malignant tumor. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether LINC00336 contributes to the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer (BCa). MATERIAL AND METHODS: LncRNA expression profiling in BCa tissues was analyzed using lncRNA microarray. Cell viability, invasion and apoptosis were detected using CCK8, Transwell and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC) double staining, respectively. RESULTS: LncRNA microarray and RT-qPCR revealed that LINC00336 was significantly up-regulated in BCa tissues and cell lines compared with the corresponding control group. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that LINC00336 could serve as an independent risk factor for predicting the prognosis of BCa patients. In vitro experimental measurements showed that knockdown of LINC00336 had the ability to block cell proliferation and invasion, as well as to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that LINC00336 might serve as an oncogene in the initiation and progression of BCa, and LINC00336 may be a valuable and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of BCa.