Long noncoding RNA LINC01234 promoted cell proliferation and invasion via miR‐1284/TRAF6 axis in colorectal cancer

Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and leading malignancies globally. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as potentially critical regulator in colorectal cancer. LINC01234, a novel lncRNA in tumor biology, regulates the progression of various tumors. However, the tumorigenic mechanism of LINC01234 in colorectal cancer is still unclear. This study was performed with the aim to prospectively investigate clinical significance, effect, and mechanism of lncRNA LINC01234 in colorectal cancer. First, we found that LINC01234, localized in the cytoplasm, was increased in both colorectal cancer cell lines and tissues. Subsequent functional assays suggested LINC01234 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells, while blocked cell cycle and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we identified that miR‐1284 was target of LINC01234, we further demonstrated a negative correlation with LINC01234 in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Furthermore, miR‐1284 targeted and suppressed tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Loss‐of‐function assay revealed that LINC01234 silencing suppressed colorectal cancer progression through inhibition of miR‐1284. In vivo subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model indicated LINC01234 knockdown inhibited in vivo tumorigenic ability of colorectal cancer via downregulation of TRAF6. Collectively, this study clarified the biological significance of LINC01234/miR‐1284/TRAF6 axis in colorectal cancer progression, providing insights into LINC01234 as novel potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer therapeutic from bench to clinic.