ZNRD1-AS1 Promotes Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Invasion and Metastasis by Regulating the miR-335–ROCK1 Axis

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known as key regulators in many cancer types, but their biological functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain largely unknown. In the present study, we aim to explore the role of the lncRNA ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tumor development. METHODS: The role of ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tissues and cells was explored by using quantitative real-time PCR assay. Cellular behavioral experiments were used in testing NPC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, and Western blot analysis were used in estimating the associations among ZNRD1-AS1, miR-335, and ROCK1. RESULTS: ZNRD1-AS1 expression was elevated in the NPC tissues and cells, and ZNRD1-AS1 overexpression was positively correlated with advanced TNM stage and the presence of lymph node metastasis. Our biological experiments indicated that ZNRD1-AS1 knockdown reduces NPC cell invasion and metastasis. Further analyses revealed that ZNRD1-AS1 as a ceRNA promotes the migration and invasion of NPC cells by sponging miR-335. We provided evidence that ZNRD1-AS1 facilitates the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells via the miR-335–ROCK1 axis. CONCLUSION: Our data shed light on the oncogenic role of ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tumor development, and a promising therapeutic target for NPC was identified.