The Long Non-Coding RNA IDH1-AS1 Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression by Enhancing IDH1 Enzyme Activity

PURPOSE: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development of various tumors including prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the function of a natural antisense RNA, IDH1-AS1, exerting potential carcinogenic effects in prostate cancer through a novel molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GEPIA and CCLE databases were searched to identify alterations in the expression of IDH1-AS1, which were then verified by RT-qPCR in 20 pairs of matched tumor and normal tissue samples. Subsequently, CCK-8, EdU, and transwell assays were conducted to investigate the carcinogenic effect of IDH1-AS1. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) enzyme activity assays were used to explore the functional relationship between IDH1-AS1 and its sense gene IDH1. RESULTS: IDH1-AS1 expression was found to be significantly increased in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines. IDH1-AS1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that IDH1-AS1 did not significantly affect the expression of IDH1 mRNA or protein but was involved in the regulation of IDH1 enzyme activity in prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our experiments revealed that the carcinogenic effects of IDH1-AS1 in prostate cancer may depend on a new molecular mechanism, which directly alters IDH1 enzyme activity. Our findings indicate that IDH1-AS1 is a novel candidate target for prostate cancer treatment.