HNRNPU-AS1 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via the MicroRNA 205-5p/AXIN2 Axis and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have key functions in modulating cervical cancer (CC) genesis and progression. This work focused on exploring lncRNA HNRNPU-AS1's function in CC and the underlying mechanism. HNRNPU-AS1, AXIN2 and miR-205-5p levels in CC cases were measured through RT-qPCR. Relationship between miR-205-5p and AXIN2 or HNRNPU-AS1 was validated through dual-luciferase assay. Cell proliferation was examined by CCK-8, while cell apoptosis by colony formation and flow cytometry analysis. HNRNPU-AS1 expression loss could be observed in CC patients and cell lines, which predicted the dismal prognosis of CC cases. Moreover, it was identified that the miR-205-5p level was up-regulated, which acted as an inhibitory target of HNRNPU-AS1 and AXIN2. HNRNPU-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. As revealed by Kaplan-Meier curve, CC cases showing low HNRNPU-AS1, high miR-205-5p, and low AXIN2 levels had the poorest prognosis. AXIN2 reversed the CC cell proliferation-promoting, apoptosis-inhibiting and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-activating mediated by miR-205-5p or HNRNPU-AS1 knockout. In conclusion, the overexpression of lncRNA HNRNPU-AS1 suppressed CC progression by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway through miR-205-5p/AXIN2 axis.