Long non-coding RNA PTCSC3 inhibits human oral cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and autophagy

INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained increased attention due to the discovery of their roles in cancer-related processes. LncRNA PTCSC3 has been shown to have tumour-suppressive effects in thyroid cancer and glioblastoma. This study investigated the role of lncRNA PTSC3 in human oral cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Annexin V/PI assays. Ultrastructural analysis was performed by electron microscopy. Transwell assay was used to monitor the invasion of oral cancer cells. RESULTS: The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) suppression of PTCSC3 expression in human oral cancer tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of PTCSC3 caused a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the proliferation of the human oral cancer cells via induction of apoptotic cell death which was accompanied by remarkable enhancement of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2. The electron microscopic analysis showed the development of autophagic vesicles in both the SCC-1 and SCC-9 cells indicative of autophagy. The western blotting analysis showed that PTCSC3 overexpression caused a remarkable increase in LC3B-I and Beclin 1 expression. PTCSC3 overexpression caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in invasion of the human SCC-1 and SCC-9 oral cancer cells. The invasion of the SCC-1 and SCC-9 cells was inhibited by 62% and 69% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the evidence suggests that lncRNA PTCSC3 acts as a tumour suppressor in human oral cancer and suppresses oral cancer proliferation via induction of apoptosis and autophagy.