LncRNA SNHG5 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by regulating miR-1179/HMGB3 axis

Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be important regulators in pathogenesis of human cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we mainly aimed to explore the mechanisms of LncRNA-SNHG5/ miR-1179/HMGB3 axis in NPC progression. Methods RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were employed to detect mRNA and protein expressions. CCK-8, Transwell and dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to investigate functions of LncRNA-SNHG5/miR-1179/HMGB3 axis. Results Upregulation of lncRNA-SNHG5 and downregulation of miR-1179 were identified in NPC, which were associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Functionally, upregulation of lncRNA-SNHG5 and downregulation of miR-1179 accelerated NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, lncRNA-SNHG5 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-1179 in NPC. Besides that, upregulation of HMGB3 was found in NPC, and knockdown of HMGB3 restrained NPC progression. Moreover, HMGB3, a target of miR-1179, regulated NPC progression by mediating LncRNA-SNHG5/miR-1179 axis. Conclusion LncRNA SNHG5 serves as a tumor promoter in NPC by sponging miR-1179 and upregulating HMGB3.