RNF144A-AS1, a TGF-β1- and hypoxia-inducible gene that promotes tumor metastasis and proliferation via targeting the miR-30c-2-3p/LOX axis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: Although recent molecular analyses have improved our knowledge regarding gastric cancer (GC) biology, the molecular mechanisms that confer metastatic potential to GC remain poorly understood. In this study, we intend to explore the function and characterize the underlying mechanism of long noncoding RNA RNF144A-AS1 in GC metastasis and outgrowth. METHODS: The expression of RNF144A-AS1, miR-30c-2-3p, and Lysyl oxidase (LOX) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR assay. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and subcellular fractionation assay determined the cellular localization of RNF144A-AS1. Cell counting kit 8 assay, transwell assay, and tube formation assay were performed to detect the effect on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, respectively. Animal models were also applied to verify the effect on tumor metastasis, outgrowth, and angiogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay explored the interactions among RNF144A-AS1, miR-30c-2-3p, and LOX. Gene regulation was further validated by knockdown of Dicer or mutating the miRNA binding sites on RNF144A-AS1 and LOX 3ʹUTR. Cells were treated with recombinant human TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor β1) to explore the effect of TGF-β1 on RNF144A-AS1. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein expression. RESULTS: The expression of RNF144A-AS1 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and was associated with poor prognosis and later-stage diseases. Hypoxia stimulated the expression of RNF144A-AS1 in a HIF-1α-independent manner. Additionally, RNF144A-AS1 was also induced by TGF-β1. Loss and gain of function assays revealed that RNF144A-AS1 promoted tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation. Mechanism exploration indicated RNF144A-AS1 served as a microRNA decoy of miR-30c-2-3p to release LOX. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis further suggested LOX and RNF144A-AS1 were enriched in the same gene sets, emphasizing the internal mechanism connection between these two genes. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-β1- and hypoxia-inducible RNF144A-AS1 promoted tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation through targeting the miR-30c-2-3p/LOX axis in GC, highlighting the value of the RNF144A-AS1/miR-30c-2-3p/LOX axis in therapeutic interventions of GC. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00689-z.