LINC00178 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion in colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the role of LINC00178 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell invasion and migration by examining its expression in CRC cells and tissues. METHODS: Cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissue specimens were collected from 45 patients who experienced radical CRC resection in the hospital from March to September 2021. The expression of LINC00178 was measured in both CRC cells and tissues and normal human colorectal mucosal cells using quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), clonogenic, and transwell assays were used to assess the impact of LINC00178 overexpression or knockdown on the CRC cells invasion and proliferation. In addition, the expression levels of vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin in CRC cells were determined after either LINC00178 knockdown or overexpression was performed using western blotting. RESULTS: The experiments revealed that LINC00178 was over expressed in CRC cells and tissues. Over-expression of LINC00178 could significantly promote the propagation, clone formation, invasion, and transportation of CRC, whereas knockdown of LINC00178 had the opposite function. When LINC00178 was expressed at high levels, it suppressed the vimentin and N-cadherin expression and prevented the upregulation of E-cadherin. In vivo (nude mouse) studies showed that the over expression of LINC00178 could significantly promote the propagation in CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS: LINC00178 is overexpressed in CRC cells and tissues. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that LINC00178 can significantly promote the propagation of CRC cells, so it may develop a potential biological site for targeted therapy of CRC patients.