Effects of LINC00261 targeting miR-148a/WNT10b axis on the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer remains a significant challenge with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of targeting the microRNA-148a/WNT10b axis with the long non-coding RNA LINC00261 on the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. METHODS: In vitro, small interfering RNA-LINC00261 and microRNA-148 inhibitor sequences were synthesized and transfected into SW480 cells. The study groups included a control group, small interfering RNA negative control group, small interfering RNA group, small interfering RNA negative control + microRNA -inhibitor group, small interfering RNA + microRNA -inhibitor group, and small interfering RNA + microRNA-negative control group. The transfection efficiency and expression levels of LINC00261 and miR-148a were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and protein expression levels of WNT10b and β-catenin were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: After small interfering RNA-LINC00261 transfection, a significant decrease in cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and an increase in apoptosis (p < 0.05) were observed, accompanied by cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Inhibition of LINC00261 by small interfering RNA resulted in increased microRNA-148a expression and decreased protein expression of WNT10b and β-catenin. However, the small interfering RNA + microRNA inhibitor group showed significantly increased levels of WNT10b and β-catenin protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that silencing of long non-coding RNA LINC00261 could potentially affect the proliferation of SW480 cells by regulating the micro RNA -148a/WNT10b axis.