LINC01518 predicts poor prognosis of prostate cancer and promotes its progression by regulating hsa-miR-320a/CNKSR2 axis

Background: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system. Understanding the molecular mechanism of PCa and its prognostic markers will assist in the selection of better treatment.

Aim: To explore the role of LINC01518 in the development of PCa and its prognostic value, and to understand its specific regulatory mechanism.

Methods: The levels of LINC01518, hsa-miR-320a, and CNKSR2 mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. ROC curve was constructed to evaluate the prognostic value of LINC01518 in PCa. The effects of LINC01518 on the functions of PCa cells were demonstrated by CCK-8, Transwell test, and the detection of apoptotic markers, after LINC01518 knockdown. The interaction between hsa-miR-320a and LINC01518 or CNKSR2 mRNA was examined by constructing luciferase vectors.

Results: LINC01518 was abnormally expressed in PCa cells and tumor tissues, and knockdown of it inhibited the growth of PCa cells. LINC01518 predicted castration-resistant prostate Cancer (CRPC) outcomes in PCa patients with AUC of 0.803, sensitivity and specificity of 75.4% and 74.6%, respectively. Hsa-miR-320a mimics reduced luciferase activity in PCa cells transfected with WT-LINC01518/CNKSR2 plasmids. Knocking down LINC01518 reduced CNKSR2 level, and this regulatory effect disappeared with the inhibition of hsa-miR-320a.

Conclusion: High levels of LINC01518 predicted poor prognosis in PCa patients and promoted CNKSR2 expression by competitively binding hsa-miR-320a, contributing to the progression of PCa.

CNKSR2; Castration-resistant prostate cancer; LINC01518; Prostate cancer; hsa-miR-320a.