The potential roles of lncRNAs DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 in luminal breast cancer based on expression analysis and bioinformatic approaches

Numerous studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs participate in regulatory networks of different cancers. Dysregulation of various lncRNAs such as DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 has been reported in the development of various cancers. The aim of this study was investigation of the importance and potential roles of DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 in ER+ breast cancer (BC). We examined the expression levels of DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 in 71 luminal A and B tumor tissues and two luminal A cell lines (MCF7 and T47D) compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues and MCF10A cell line by qRT-PCR assay, respectively. For identifying the relation between three lncRNAs and luminal BC, bioinformatic analyses were performed using some databases and software including GENEVESTIGATOR software, GEPIA2, DAVID, REVIGO, STRING, lncATLAS, Kaplan-Meier plotter, starBase, and miRNet tool. The results showed the significant upregulation of all three lncRNAs in luminal A and B tumor specimens and cell lines. Upregulation of DUXAP8 and FOXD2-AS1 was significantly associated with progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) and p53 protein expression in luminal BC patients, respectively. Based on bioinformatic analyses, DUXAP8 can be considered as a prognostic biomarker for patients with luminal BC. DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 are involved in several cancer-associated signaling pathways and multiple cancer-related processes. In addition, bioinformatic analyses indicated that LINC00963/hsa-mir-130a-3p/HSPA8 axis might have potential regulatory role in BC. In conclusion, dysregulation of DUXAP8, LINC00963, and FOXD2-AS1 can play roles in the development of luminal BC. They may exert their functions through involvement in some cancer signaling pathways and processes. In addition, they may interact with miRNAs like predicted interaction of LINC00963 with miR-130a-3p.