Long Non-Coding RNA NCK1-AS1 Serves an Oncogenic Role in Gastric Cancer by Regulating miR-137/NUP43 Axis

Introduction: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NCK1-AS1 could regulate multiple cancer progression. However, little is known regarding the roles and acting mechanisms of NCKAS1 in gastric cancer (GC) progression. This work was aimed to explore the relationship between NCK1-AS1 and GC progression to illustrate the mechanisms of NCK1-AS1. Methods: NCK1-AS1 expression level in GC tissues and cells was measured with a quantitative real-time PCR method. In vitro experiments including cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, and transwell invasion assay were employed to detect biological roles of NCK1-AS1 in GC progression. In vivo experiments were performed to analyze the roles of NCK1-AS1 on GC malignant phenotype. Moreover, mechanisms behind the biological roles of NCK1-AS1 in GC were investigated using bioinformatic analysis, luciferase activity reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and rescue experiments. Results: NCK1-AS1 was found to have elevated expression in GC tissues and cells in comparison with normal counterparts. Loss-of-function experiments showed knockdown of NCK1-AS1 refrained GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Animal experiments showed silence of NCK1-AS1 suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Functionally, NCK1-AS1 serves as a sponge for microRNA-137 (miR-137) to upregulate nucleoporin 43 (NUP43) expression in GC. Rescue experiments proved the carcinogenic role of NCK1-AS1/miR-137/NUP43 axis in GC progression. Discussion: In conclusion, the NCK1-AS1/miR-137/NUP43 axis was identified that could contribute to GC malignancy behaviors.