LncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 mediates breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through the miR‐21/PTEN axis

Abstract LncRNAs play various effects, mostly by sponging with miRNAs. Based on public databases integrating bioinformatics analyses and further validation in breast cancer (BC) tissue and cell lines, the effect of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 on breast cancer cell proliferation and migration was verified. It might work via the miR‐21/PTEN axis. The expression of AFAP1‐AS1, which was significantly upregulated in BC tissues and cell lines, was correlated with old age and lymph node metastasis of patients with BC. Knockdown of AFAP1‐AS1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. And downregulated miR‐21 expression and upregulated PTEN expression additionally. Mechanistically, the knockdown of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 upregulated PTEN expression and consequently attenuated miR‐21‐mediated enhanced BC cell proliferation and migration. LncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for BC patients.