FOXD3-AS1 Contributes to the Progression of Melanoma Via miR-127-3p/FJX1 Axis

Abstract

Background:

Melanoma, belonging to a kind of skin cancer, takes a big part in cancer-associated deaths globally. Abundant documents have recorded the crucial roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the initiation and development of tumors. lncRNA forkhead box D3 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD3-AS1) has been commonly identified as a key regulator in the progression of multiple cancers; however, the way it exerts function remains obscure in melanoma.

Materials and Methods:

FOXD3-AS1 expression was examined by RT-qPCR. The role of FOXD3-AS1 in melanoma was determined by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, and Western blot assays. The combination between microRNA-127-3p and FOXD3-AS1 (or four jointed box 1 [FJX1]) was confirmed by luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

Results:

FOXD3-AS1 was markedly upregulated in melanoma cells. It was validated by loss-of-function assays that cell proliferation and migration were inhibited by FOXD3-AS1 deficiency, while cell apoptosis was facilitated by FOXD3-AS1 knockdown in melanoma. Mechanistic exploration testified that miR-127-3p could bind to FOXD3-AS1 and its expression was negatively modulated by FOXD3-AS1 in melanoma. Besides, overexpression of miR-127-3p repressed melanoma progression. Moreover, miR-127-3p was certified to negatively regulate the expression of the FJX1, and miR-127-3p could combine with FJX1 in melanoma cells. Rescue assays depicted that FJX1 overexpression countervailed FOXD3-AS1 silencing-mediated inhibition on melanoma progression.

Conclusions:

Overall, FOXD3-AS1 contributes to the progression of melanoma via miR-127-3p/FJX1 axis.