lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 enhances proliferation and impairs apoptosis of lymphoma cells by sponging miR-6867-5p

BACKGROUND: Numerous evidence have suggested the vital role of lncRNAs in human tumorigenesis. And lncRNA APAP1-AS1 has been proved to act as an oncogene. OBJECTIVE: Nevertheless, the molecular process underlying ARAP1-AS1 for the lymphoma progression has not been well studied. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to ascertain the miR-6867-5p and ARAP1-AS1 in lymphoma cells and tissues. The localization of ARAP1-AS1 was determined via subcellular fractionation analysis. A xenograft model was used to investigate the influence of ARAP1-AS1 in formation of tumor in vivo. In addition, interactions between ARAP-AS1 and miR-6867-5p were tested by bioinformatics analysis, RIP assay, luciferase reporter and Pearson's correlation analysis. Combined with loss-of-function experiments, MTT assays and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the function of miR-6867-5p and also ARAP-AS1 in proliferation and apoptosis of lymphoma cells, respectively. RESULTS: ARAP1-AS1 was remarkably upregulated in lymphoma cells and tissues, while miR-6867-5p expression was downregulated. Furthermore, high ARAP1-AS1 expression suppressed miR-6867-5p expression in lymphoma cell lines (Raji and CA46), and Pearson's analysis showed negative correlation between ARAP1-AS1 expression and also miR-6867-5p expression. In addition, knockdown of ARAP1-AS1 resulted in weakened cell viability and uplifted apoptosis rate of lymphoma cells (Raji and CA46) as well as a delay in the tumor growth in vivo. Further investigations illustrated that miR-6867-5p inhibitor reversed all above biological activities. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 served as a tumor-promoter in lymphoma cells by sponging with miR-6867-5p, which may help to provide potential therapeutic target gene for lymphoma patients.