Upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by sponging miR‐1271‐5p and upregulating FRS2

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the important roles of long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) is being increasingly recognized. The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA ZFAS1 in LAD. METHODS: The expression and function of lncRNA ZFAS1 were assessed by RT‐qPCR, CCK‐8, transwell and dual luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: Upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 was found in LAD tissues and cells. Knockdown of lncRNA ZFAS1 restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion in LAD cells. In addition, we determined that lncRNA ZFAS1 could directly bind to miR‐1271‐5p. MiR‐1271‐5p functioned as a tumor suppressor in LAD, and lncRNA ZFAS1 promoted LAD development by downregulating miR‐1271‐5p. Furthermore, FRS2 was a direct target of miR‐1271‐5p. FRS2 promoted progression of LAD by mediating lncRNA ZFAS1/miR‐1271‐5p axis. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ZFAS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in LAD by downregulating miR‐1271‐5p or upregulating FRS2.