Long non-coding RNA RP5-821D11.7 promotes proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma and glioma stem-like cells

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been recently revealed as a main regulatory molecule, implicating many cellular functions. Studies showed that lncRNA is abnormally expressed and involved in the progression and tumorigenesis of glioma. The present study identified a novel lncRNA associated with glioma, glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) and then revealed their potential functions. During the screening of lncRNAs, we found lncRNA RP5-821D11.7 (lncRNA-RP5) overexpress in GSCs compared to glioma cells. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA for lncRNA-RP5 was constructed and transfected into glioma cells. Transfected stable glioma cells were transplanted into nude mice and tumor growth was determined. Knockdown of lncRNA-RP5 significantly inhibits proliferation, migration and reduces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, the results showed that lncRNA RP5 knockdown enhances cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therefore, this study may provide a better understanding and demonstrates that lncRNA-RP5 may be a potential therapeutic target in glioma.