The Role of the LINC01234/miR-433-3p/GRB2 ceRNA Network in NSCLC Cell Malignant Proliferation

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Dysregulation of lncRNAs leads to NSCLC progression.

Objective: This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA LINC01234 in NSCLC.

Materials and methods: LINC01234 expression in NSCLC cells was determined. Cell proliferation was detected using CCK-8, colony formation, and EDU assays after transfection of siRNA LINC01234 into H1299 cells and transfection of pcDNA3.1-LINC01234 into H1975 cells. Subcellular localization of LINC01234 was predicted and the binding relations between LINC01234 and miR-433-3p as well as miR-433-3p and GRB2 were verified. The expression levels of miR-433-3p and GRB2 in NSCLC cells were determined. Joint experiments of miR-433-3p inhibitor + si- LINC01234-1 or oe-GRB2 + si-LINC01234-1 were conducted to verify the role of miR-433-3p and GRB2 in NSCLC cell malignant proliferation.

Results: LINC01234 was abundantly expressed in NSCLC cells. LINC01234 silencing reduced NSCLC cell proliferation while LINC01234 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation. LINC01234 competitively bound to miR-433-3p and miR-433-3p directly targeted GRB2. miR- 433-3p knockdown or GRB2 overexpression counteracted the repressive effect of LINC01234 silencing on NSCLC cell malignant proliferation.

Conclusion: LINC01234 competitively bound to miR-433-3p and promoted GRB2 transcription to augment NSCLC cell malignant proliferation.