Long non-coding RNA XIST promotes retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by modulating microRNA-191-5p/brain derived neurotrophic factor

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X–inactive specific transcript (XIST) is oncogenic in multiple cancers. Herein, the present study is aimed at delving into how XIST functions in retinoblastoma (RB) and investigating its underlying mechanism. In this study, XIST, miR-191-5p, BDNF mRNA, and BDNF expression levels in RB tissues or cell lines were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot. The models of gain-of-function and loss-of-function were established by the transfection of pcDNA3.1-XIST, XIST siRNA, and miR-191-5p mimics and inhibitors into SO-Rb50 and Y79 cells, respectively. RB cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected employing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferased UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. The regulatory relationships among XIST, miR-191-5p, and BDNF were affirmed utilizing bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, as well as Western blot. We reported that, XIST expression was markedly elevated in RB tissue and RB cells. XIST overexpression accelerated RB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and attenuated RB cell apoptosis but miR-191-5p exerted the opposite effects. Besides, BDNF expression was inhibited by miR-191-5p in both mRNA and protein levels. XIST indirectly improved BDNF expression by repressing miR-191-5p expression as a competitive endogenous RNA. In conclusion, XIST expression is abnormally elevated in RB tissues and XIST can modulate proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of RB cells by regulating miR-191-5p/BDNF axis.