NSE, positively regulated by LINC00657-miR-93-5p axis, promotes small cell lung cancer (SCLC) invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process

Background: Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is a specific biomarker for SCLC. However, the biological roles and aberrant expression of NSE in SCLC have not been well illustrated. Methods: The expression of NSE, miR-93-5p and LINC00657 in SCLC tissues and cell lines were detected using real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) or immunohistochemistry. CCK8 assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion capabilities were investigated by transwell assay. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was verified by detecting epithelial marker E-cadherin and mesenchymal marker N-cadherin. The direct interactions between miR-93-5p and NSE or LINC00657 were predicted by bioinformatics tools and verified using dual luciferase reporter assay. Results: Upregulated expression of NSE in SCLC tumor tissues were positively associated with advanced tumor stage, distant metastasis and poor overall survival. Overexpression of NSE promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in SCLC cells, while silence of NSE inhibited these effects. Mechanically, NSE expression was positively correlated with LINC00657, and negatively correlated with miR-93-5p. Moreover, NSE was positively regulated by LINC00657 through sponging of miR-93-5p. LINC00657 and miR-93-5p promoted SCLC cell migration, invasion and EMT by NSE-mediated manner. Conclusion: Overall, our study revealed a novel role of NSE in SCLC. NSE was positively regulated by LINC00657 through competitively interacting with miR-93-5p, which may be potential targets for SCLC patients.