lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 regulates biological behaviors of cervical cancer by targeting miRNA‐1254

AIM: The purpose of this research was to evaluate lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 in cervical cancer development and clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collecting cervical cancer tissues, measuring FEZF1‐AS1 expression, and analysis correlation between FEZF1‐AS1 and prognosis. In cell vitro study, using MTT assay to measure cell proliferation, evaluating cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, measuring cell invasion and migration by Transwell and wound healing assay; lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 and miR‐1254 gene expressions were evaluated by RT‐qPCR assay; relative protein (Smurf1, E‐cadherin, Vimentin, N‐cadherin, AKT, p‐AKT, c‐Myc, and ZEB1) expressions were measured by Western blot assay. The correlation among FEZF1‐AS1, miR‐1254, and Smurf1 were analysis by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: By clinical analysis, lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 was high expression in cervical cancer tissues and high expression was closely correlated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. In vitro study, the SiHa and HeLa cell biologically including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of si‐FEZF1‐AS1 group which knockdown lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 were significantly depressed (p < .001, respectively). However, with miR‐1254 expression inhibiting, the cell biological activities were significantly increased in si‐FEZF1‐AS1+miRNA inhibitor groups (p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 might be an oncological role in cervical cancer; lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 knockdown had antitumor effects with miR‐1254 activating in cervical cancer by in vitro study.