AFAP1-AS1/Hsa-miR-15a-5p/Bcl-2 Axis is a Potential Regulator of Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Gallbladder Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a common malignancy of the biliary tract that, with late diagnosis, is often fatal. A better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms may facilitate targeted therapy for GBC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether long non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 regulates GBC cell proliferation and apoptosis through hsa-miR-15a-5p.

Methods

SGC-996 and NOZ cell lines were transfected with an hsa-mR-15a-5p inhibitor or si-AFAP1-AS1, and GBC cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured. The expression levels of AFAP1-AS1, hsa-miR-15a-5p, apoptosis-related proteins, and bcl-2 were assessed. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the binding between AFAP1-AS1 and hsa-miR-15a-5p or between hsa-miR-15a-5p and bcl-1.

Results

In SGC-996 and NOZ cells, AFAP1-AS1 was significantly expressed and hsa-miR-15a-5p was modestly expressed. Transfection of the hsa-miR-15a-5p inhibitor elevated proliferation of SGC-996 and NOZ cells and decreased apoptosis, whereas transfection of si-AFAP1-AS1 reduced the proliferation rate and increased apoptosis. In addition, AFAP1-AS1 bound hsa-miR-15a-5p and hsa-miR-15a-5p targeted bcl-2. Increased bcl-2 expression was observed in the GBC cells. AFAP1-AS1 may regulate GBC cell proliferation and apoptosis via has-miR-15a-5p to mediate bcl-2 expression.

Conclusion

The AFAP1-AS1/hsa-miR-15a-5p/bcl-2 axis regulates GBC cell proliferation and apoptosis, providing potential guidance for the clinical treatment of GBC.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the grant from Climbing Foundation of National Cancer Center (Grant No. NCC201912B01).