Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 facilitates the growth, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells via the let-7 g/MEST/ATGL axis

BACKGROUND/AIM: Growing evidence indicates a significant role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in ovarian cancer, a frequently occurring malignant tumor in women; however, the possible effects of an interplay of NEAT1 with microRNA (miRNA or miR) let-7 g in ovarian cancer are not known. The current study aimed to investigate the role of the NEAT1/let-7 g axis in the growth, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and explore underlying mechanisms. METHODS: NEAT1 expression levels were examined in clinical tissue samples and cell lines. The relationships between NEAT1, let-7 g, and MEST were then analyzed. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to manipulate NEAT1 and let-7 g. The effects of NEAT1 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were evaluated. Mouse xenograft models of ovarian cancer cells were established to verify the function of NEAT1 in vivo. RESULTS: NEAT1 expression was elevated while let-7 g was decreased in ovarian cancer clinical tissue samples and cell lines. A negative correlation existed between NEAT1 and let-7 g, whereby NEAT1 competitively bound to let-7 g and consequently down-regulate let-7 g expression. By this mechanism, the growth, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells were stimulated. In addition, let-7 g targeted mesoderm specific transcript (MEST) and inhibited its expression, leading to promotion of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression and inhibition of ovarian cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. However, the effect of let-7 g was abolished by overexpression of MEST. Furthermore, silencing of NEAT1 decreased the xenograft tumor growth by decreasing MEST while up-regulating let-7 g and ATGL. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulatively, the findings demonstrated that NEAT1 could promote malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells by regulating the let-7 g/MEST/ATGL signaling axis. Therefore, NEAT1 can be regarded as an important molecular target and biomarker for ovarian cancer. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02018-3.