HOXA-AS2 enhances GBM cell malignancy by suppressing miR-2116-3p thereby upregulating SERPINA3

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is malignant, demanding more attention to the improvement of the diagnosis and therapy. LncRNAs have been implicated in the malignancy of GBM cells. METHODS: HOXA-AS2, miR-2116-3p and SERPINA3 expression levels in GBM tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was for detection of relationship among these factors, together with RIP and RNA pull-down. CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and transwell assays were for detection of the role of HOXA-AS2, miR-2116-3p and SERPINA3 in cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion in GBM, respectively. RESULTS: HOXA-AS2 and SERPINA3 showed higher level in GBM tissues and cell lines. Low level of HOXA-AS2 attenuated GBM cell growth in vitro. Moreover, the anti-tumor impact of silenced HOXA-AS2 was restored by miR-2116-3p inhibitor, but its tumor-promotional effect could be reversed by silenced SERPINA3. CONCLUSION: HOXA-AS2 enhanced GBM cell malignancy through sponging miR-2116-3p and releasing SERPINA3, which might shed light on the diagnosis and therapy for GBM in the future. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09462-y.