Long non-coding RNA GASL1 inhibits proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown long non-coding RNAs to be involved in a wide array of cancer-related processes. This study analyzed the role of LncRNA GAL1 in osteosarcoma cancer proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The qRT-PCR technique was used to determine the expression of GASL1. MTT assay was performed for analysis of cell viability. Migration of cancer cells was monitored by wound healing assay. Transwell assay was used for analysis of cancer cell invasion. Western blotting was performed for determination of protein expression levels. RESULTS: The results showed that GASL1 exhibits lower expression in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines than normal surroundings tissues and osteoblasts respectively. GASL1 overexpression resulted in a decline of cancer cell viability as revealed by MTT and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion of cancer cells decreased remarkably when GASL1 was overexpressed in cancer cells. GASL1 over-expression also affected the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and promoted cell apoptosis. The anticancer effects of GASL1 overexpression were found to be mediated via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. GASL1 was seen to play an inhibitory role in PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Long ncRNA GASL1 inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cancer cells. Cell apoptosis was promoted via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together LncRNA GAL1 may prove to be a beneficial therapeutic target in the treatment of osteosarcoma.