Downregulation of LINC00460 decreases STC2 and promotes autophagy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by up-regulating microRNA-206

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide with unfavorable patient outcomes and relatively low survival rates. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to participate in the progression of HNSCC. The present study aimed to investigate the functional mechanism of lncRNA LINC00460 in HNSCC by mediating microRNA-206 (miR-206)/stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) axis. The interactions among miR-206, LINC00460 and STC2 were identified, and the expression of LINC00460, miR-206 and STC2 in tissues and cells was determined. Gain- and loss-of function experiments were conducted to analyze effects of LINC00460, miR-206 and STC2 on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, and the extents of AKT, ERK phosphorylation. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and the production of autophagosomes after transfection were evaluated to further explore the role of LINC00460/miR-206/STC2 axis in HNSCC. LINC00460 and STC2 were highly expressed while miR-206 was poorly expressed in HNSCC. Besides, miR-206 was found to bind to both LINC00460 and STC2. After the transfection of HNSCC cells with miR-206 mimic or si-LINC00460, the expression of STC2, AKT, ERK, as well as the extent of AKT, ERK phosphorylation all decreased, which facilitated the apoptosis and autophagy of HNSCC cells. Collectively, the apoptosis and autophagy of HNSCC can be facilitated by downregulating LINC00460, which highlights a novel target in the treatment of HNSCC.