LncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC) Through the miR-194/SOCS2 Axis

BACKGROUND: SLC16A1-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic long non-coding (lncRNA) in breast cancer and bladder cancer, while its role in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is unknown. METHODS: CSCC and non-tumor tissue samples were collected from 60 female patients, and qPCR was performed to detect the expression of SLC16A1-AS1, miR-194 and SOCS2. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the interaction between SLC16A1-AS1 and miR-194. Colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation. RESULTS: SLC16A1-AS1 was down-regulated in CSCC and correlated with poor survival. Overexpression of SLC16A1-AS1 could inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. In addition, SLC16A1-AS1 could sponge miR-194 and increase the expression levels of SOCS2, ultimately inhibiting the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. CONCLUSION: SLC16A1-AS1 was downregulated in CSCC and suppressed cell proliferation in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) through the miR-194/SOCS2 axis.