A Novel LncRNA, AC091729.7 Promotes Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinomas Proliferation and Invasion Through Binding SRSF2

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological progresses of carcinogenesis. However, the function of lncRNAs in human sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) remains greatly unclear. In the current study, lncRNA AC091729.7 expression was examined in SNSCC samples by using microarray, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell viability, colony-formation, wound-healing, and transwell assays were applied to SNSCC cells. Xenograft mouse models were employed to evaluate the role of AC091729.7 in growth of SNSCC in vivo. Human protein microarray (Huprot(TM) Protoarray) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were used for identifying AC091729.7 binding proteins in SNSCC. Results showed AC091729.7 was upregulated and closely connected with the survival of the SNSCC patients. Knockdown of AC091729.7 suppressed SNSCC cell migration, proliferation, invasion in vitro. Furthermore, downregulation of AC091729.7 could inhibit the growth of SNSCC in vivo. Moreover, Human protein microarray and RIP suggested that AC091729.7 directly combine with the serine/arginine rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2). Our results suggest that in the cell progression of SNSCC, lncRNA AC091729.7 plays a carcinogenic role and serves as a novel biomarker and latent curative target in SNSCC patients.