Overexpression of lncRNA H19 leads to reduced proliferation in TSCC cells through miR-675-5p/GPR55

BACKGROUND: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a highly malignant tumor and oral disease. We intended to identify the function and mechanism of lncRNA H19 in TSCC. METHODS: Twenty-two TSCC samples were obtained, and expression levels of lncRNA H19 were measured by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). After experimentally upregulating expression of lncRNA H19 in TSCC cells, proliferation, invasion and migration were assessed. Further, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to examine the relationship between lncRNA H19 and GPR55. RESULTS: LncRNA H19 was expressed at lower levels in TSCC tissues than in normal tissues. When lncRNA H19 was overexpressed, miR-675-5p expression levels were also upregulated, leading to reduced proliferation, invasion and migration of CAL27 and SCC9 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that miR-675-5p binds to GPR55, which might promote growth in TSCCs. CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA H19/miR-675-5p/GPR55 axis might inhibit cell proliferation, invasion and migration in TSCC.