LncRNA RUNX1-IT1 is downregulated in gastric cancer and suppresses the maturation of miR-20a by binding to its precursor

Abstract

Background. RUNX1-IT1 has been characterized as a tumor suppressive long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in several types of cancer but not gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to explore the role of RUNX1-IT1 in GC. Methods. The expression of RUNX1-IT1, microRNA (miR)-20a precursor and mature miR-20a in GC and healthy tissues donated by GC patients (n=62) were measured by RT-qPCR. Correlation analysis was performed by linear regression. The expression of mature miR-20a and miR-20a precursor in cells with overexpression of RUNX1-IT1 was also determined by RT-qPCR. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated by Transwell assays. Results. RUNX1-IT1 was downregulated in GC. Across GC tissues, RUNX1-IT1 and mature miR-20a were inversely correlated. However, RUNX1-IT1 and miR-20a precursor were not closely correlated. RUNX1- IT1 and miR-20a precursor were predicted to interact with each other, and overexpression of RUNX1-IT1 in GC cells decreased the expression levels of mature miR20a. Transwell assay showed that the enhancing effect of miR-20a on cell invasion and migration was reduced by overexpression of RUNX1-IT1. Conclusions. RUNX1-IT1 may suppress the GC cell movement by inhibiting the maturation of miR-20a