Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01929 Facilitates Cell Proliferation and Metastasis as a Competing Endogenous RNA Against MicroRNA miR-1179 in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Introduction: Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) constitutes most lung cancers and has a poor prognosis. LncRNAs are a potential repository for the discovery of cancer prognostic markers. This study explored the role of LINC01929 in NSCLC, both the clinical prognostic significance and the mechanism of its influence on cells. Materials and Methods: LINC01929 levels in 143 pairs of NSCLC tissues and non-cancerous tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression assays were generated for evaluating the prognostic values of LINC01929. To evaluate the cellular function, an XTT assay and transwell invasion assays were performed. Results: LINC01929 was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues compared with healthy tissues. A positive correlation was observed between LINC01929 expression level and tumor T (p = 0.002) or N stage (p = 0.010). Patients with higher LINC01929 levels had shorter overall survival (p = 0.009). Compared with other factors, high LINC01929 expression was significantly associated with poor survival in univariate Cox analysis (HR: 2.485, 95%CI: 1.220–5.060, p = 0.012). After multivariate Cox regression assays, LINC01929 was a independent prognostic factor (HR: 3.021, 95%CI: 1.377–6.628, p = 0.006). miR-1179 was a target miRNA of LINC01929. Inhibited expression of LINC01929 significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells by targeting miR-1179. Discussion: This study revealed the upregulation of LINC01929 in NSCLC. This study supports previous studies showing LINC01929 as a potential prognostic factor for NSCLC.