LncRNA MAGI2-As3 Suppresses the Proliferation and Invasion of Cervical Cancer by Sponging MiR-15b

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and more than 85% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functions of MAGI2-AS3 and miR-15b in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA levels of MAGI2-AS3, miR-15b, and CCNE1 were evaluated using RT-qPCR assay. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm whether miR-15b binds to CCNE1. RESULTS: LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 was downregulated, while miR-15b was upregulated in cervical cancer. Cervical cancer patients with low expression of MAGI2-AS3 have a poor prognosis. Upregulation of MAGI2-AS3 inhibited proliferative and invasive abilities of HeLa cells via regulating the expression of miRNA-15b. MiR-15b inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and invasion. CCNE1 was a direct target gene of miR-15b, which binds to the 3'-UTR of its mRNA. MiR-15b partially reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpression of MAGI2-AS3 on the proliferation and invasion of HeLa cells. MAGI2-AS3 mediated the expression of CCNE1 in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells via the miRNA-15/CCNE1 axis. Our results illustrates that MAGI2-AS3 can be used as a useful clinical predictor for early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of cervical cancer.