LINC01140 Targeting miR-452-5p/RGS2 Pathway to Attenuate Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis

BACKGROUND: LINC01140 has been known to be involved in various cancers. However, its underlying molecular mechanism in breast cancer (BC) needs further exploration. METHODS: The LINC01140, miR-452-5p, and RGS2 levels in BC cells and tissues were evaluated by means of RT-qPCR and western blotting. The variations in the biological functions of BC cells were analyzed through CCK-8, transwell, western blotting, and xenograft experiments to observe cell viability, migration, levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2), and tumor growth. The correlations existing among LINC01140, miR-452-5p, and RGS2 were validated through luciferase reporter and RIP assays. RESULTS: LINC01140 and RGS2 were remarkably downregulated in BC cells and tissues, whereas miR-452-5p was upregulated. LINC01140 overexpression diminished BC cell viability, migration, and tumor growth and facilitated apoptosis. MiR-452-5p upregulation enhanced cell viability and migration and suppressed apoptosis. Nevertheless, the additional upregulation of LINC01140 could reverse the promotive effects of miR-452-5p upregulation. Additionally, RGS2 overexpression inhibited the malignant phenotypes of BC cells, but miR-452-5p upregulation abolished this effect. In terms of mechanisms, LINC01140 acted as a miR-452-5p sponge. Moreover, RGS2 was determined to be miR-452-5p's downstream target gene in BC. CONCLUSION: LINC01140 functioned as an antitumor agent in BC by sponging miR-452-5p to release RGS2. This hints that LINC01140 is a promising therapeutic target for BC.