Long Noncoding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 6 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Melanoma by Sponging miR-944

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) has been reported to be a tumor promoter in various human cancers. Nevertheless, the detailed functions and clinical value of SNHG6 in melanoma remain elusive. The study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanism of SNHG6 in melanoma metastasis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of SNHG6 and miR-944 in melanoma cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell migration and invasion were measured by wound healing assay and cell invasion assay, respectively. In addition, dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between SNHG6 and miR-944. The protein expressions of PI3K/Akt pathway were evaluated by western blot assay. The results revealed that SNHG6 expression was significantly increased in melanoma cells. Knockdown of SNHG6 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A375 cells. Moreover, miR-944 was identified as a direct target of SNHG6 in melanoma. miR-944 was downregulated in melanoma cells, while SNHG6 silencing improved miR-944 level in A375 cells. Rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-944 overexpression reversed the effects of SNHG6 on A375 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Altogether, SNHG6 exerted oncogenic effects in melanoma cells, providing a novel promising target for the treatment of melanoma.