lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 Promotes the Retinoblastoma Cell Viability and Migration by Sponging miR-31

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the functions of FOXD2-AS1 and miR-31 in retinoblastoma. Material and Methods. An RT-qPCR assay was applied to calculate the mRNA levels of FOXD2-AS1, miR-31, and PAX9. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the connection between FOXD2-AS1, miR-31, and PAX9 expression. RESULTS: FOXD2-AS1 was upregulated, and miR-31 was lowly expressed in retinoblastoma. Low expression of FOXD2-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and migration, and upregulation of FOXD2-AS1 inhibited proliferative and migratory abilities. lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 directly bound to miR-31 and regulated miR-31 expression in SO-RB50 cells. Cell proliferation and migration were inhibited by the miR-31 mimic. miR-31 mediated PAX9 expression via directly binding to PAX9 mRNA. A miR-31 inhibitor partially reversed the effect of FOXD2-AS1 knockdown on the proliferation and migration in SO-RB50 cells. FOXD2-AS1 knockdown reduced PAX9 expression in SO-RB50 cells. PAX9 had negative connection with miR-31, and it had positive relationship with FOXD2-AS1. CONCLUSION: lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration via the miRNA-31/PAX9 axis in retinoblastoma.