The aberrant expression of long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including LINC00958, has been demonstrated in several types cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the role of LINC00958 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and identify the possible underlying mechanisms. The expression of LINC00958 and microRNA (miR)‑3619‑5p was detected in several human CRC cell lines using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Then, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‑LINC00958 was transfected into the cells. The results revealed that the expression of LINC00958 was notably upregulated, whereas miR‑3619‑5p was downregulated in CRC cells. Transfection with shRNA‑LINC00958 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC cells. Moreover, the rate of apoptosis was enhanced, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of Bcl‑2 and an increase in the expression of Bax and caspase‑3. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the target binding site between LINC00958 and miR‑3619‑5p. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‑3619‑5p could be directly targeted by LINC00958. Furthermore, the miR‑3619‑5p inhibitor reversed the effects of LINC00958 silencing on proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis. Taken together, the findings suggest that the downregulation of LINC00958 suppresses the proliferation, invasion and migration, and promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells by targeting miR‑3619‑5p in vitro, which provides a theoretical basis and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CRC.
Keywords: colorectal cancer; proliferation; invasion; migration; apoptosis; LINC00958.