LncRNA FAM66C inhibits pancreatic cancer progression by sponging miR-574-3p

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is an extensively concerned human malignancy around the globe, yet the potential therapeutic target remains to be further determined. MicroRNA and LncRNA have been reported to be involved in progression of pancreatic cancer, while the biological role of microRNA-574-3p (miR-574-3p) and FAM66C in pancreatic cancer development is poorly investigated. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis was employed to detect the expression of miR-574-3p and FAM66C in pancreatic normal or cancerous tissues and cells. The proliferative and apoptosis signaling molecules were also examined via qPCR and western blot separately. Additionally, cell proliferation and apoptosis assay were performed via CCK8, colony formation and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay. Interaction between miR-574-3p and FAM66C was interrogated by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Even more, a pancreatic cancer xenograft mice assay was implemented to illustrate the coordinating role of miR-574-3p and FAM66C in pancreatic cancer proliferation. RESULTS: We found that levels of miR-574-3p were significantly higher in cancer tissues and cells compared to normal (P<0.05). Remarkably, the results indicated that depletion of miR-574-3p inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Additionally, FAM66C was demonstrated to interact with miR-574-3p and inhibit its expression. Significantly, FAM66C was proved to act as a tumor suppressor role via inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, FAM66C coordinated with miR-574-3p to regulate progression of xenograft tumor in the nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: FAM66C-miR-574-3p axis mediates progression of pancreatic and might be the promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer patients.