lncRNA 00312 Attenuates Cell Proliferation and Invasion and Promotes Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma via miR-34a-5p/ASS1 Axis

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs play functional roles in regulating cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Recent studies confirmed that lncRNA 00312 has important biological functions in lung and colorectal cancer. However, the role of lncRNA 00312 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Our aim was to explore the function of lncRNA 00312 in RCC and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods. RCC cell lines A498 and ACHN were used as in vitro models in this study. RT-PCR was performed to determine lncRNA 00312, miR-34a-5p, and ASS1 mRNA expression. Proliferation and invasion were examined by CCK-8 and Transwell assay to confirm the function role of lncRNA 00312. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-2. Results. lncRNA was significantly downregulated in RCC cells such as A498 and ACHN; the expression of lncRNA 00312 in RCC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues. Patients with low expression of lncRNA 00312 have worse prognosis regarding pathological grade, tumor size, and TNM stage. Overexpression of lncRNA 00312 suppressed A498 and ACHN cell proliferation and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Our study found that miR-34a-5p had the potential binding site with lncRNA 00312 and revealed the role of miR-34a-5p in RCC. Furthermore, we confirmed that lncRNA 00312 played its role with the participation of ASS1 and miR-34a-5p. Conclusion. lncRNA 00312 can inhibit RCC proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis in vitro by suppressing miR-34a-5p and overexpressing ASS1. Our study demonstrated that the lncRNA 00312/miR-34a-5p/ASS1 axis may play a functional role in the progression of RCC; lncRNA 00312 abundance is a prognostic factor candidate for RCC survival, which provides new insights for RCC clinical treatment.