Long non-coding RNA XIST promotes the malignant features of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells through regulating miR-133a-5p/VEGFB

Objective. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a frequently seen oral cavity malignancy, and the mechanisms of its occurrence and development remain unclear. The present work examined the expression and biological function of long non-coding RNA (lncNRA) XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) in OSCC cells and tissues.Study design. A total number of 50 OSCC and paired non-carcinoma tissue samples were collected in this study. Gene expression levels in cancer tissues and cells were quantified by RT-qPCR. In addition, gain-and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the biological roles of XIST as well as its downstream targets in OSCC cells.Results. XIST was upregulated in OSCC cells and tissues, which predicted a poorer prognostic outcome in OSCC patients. Silencing XIST inhibited the growth and invasion of OSCC cells and triggered apoptosis. miR-133a-5p was identified as a downstream target of XIST, which was downregulated in OSCC tissues. miR-133a-5p mediated the effect of XIST by targeting VEGFB. VEGFB overexpression rescued the inhibitory effects of XIST silencing on cell growth, invasion and migration.Conclusion. Taken together, the above data indicates that XIST serves as an oncogenic factor to enhance the growth and invasion of OSCC cells by targeting the miR-133a/VEGFB axis.