lncRNA GAS5 Induces Cell Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Targeting Nrf2

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at investigating the molecular mechanism of lncRNA GAS5-induced cell apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting Nrf2. METHODS: The RNA interfering technique was utilized to silence THP-1 in AML cell line, and lncRNA GAS5 expression in cell line was determined by real-time PCR. EdU experiment and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis and proliferation ability of cells in different groups. PD-L1, STAT3, AKT, and MMP9 expressions were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The si-RNA significantly inhibited the expression of lncRNA GAS5 in THP-1 cells. Compared with the si-NC group, the difference in cell apoptosis between lncRNA GAS5 and Nrf2 groups was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the lncRNA GAS5 group, the number of apoptotic cells in the lncRNA GAS5+Nrf2 group significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the si-NC group, the differences in the levels of four proteins between lncRNA GAS5 and Nrf2 groups were significant (P < 0.05). In lncRNA GAS5+Nrf2 and lncRNA GAS5 groups, PD-L1 expression increased, while the expression of STAT3, AKT, and MMP9 decreased. CONCLUSION: In AML cells, lncRNA GAS5 with Nrf2 could regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells. lncRNA GAS5 inhibited Nrf2 expression, regulated cell apoptosis and proliferation, and further inhibited the progression of AML disease.