Down-regulation of lncRNA EMX2OS Is Associated with the Prognosis of Patients with Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Regulates Tumour Cell Progression via miR-574-5p.

Abstract

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) represents a malignant subtype of cervical cancer. Identification of novel biomarkers for CSCC development could enhance therapeutic efficiency and improve the patients' outcomes. This study focused on lncRNA EMX2OS, evaluating its expression and significance in the progression of CSCC while exploring its potential as a therapeutic target. A cohort of 135 patients with CSCC were enrolled, and tissue samples were collected for analysis. The expression of EMX2OS in the tissues was quantified by PCR, with its correlation to the clinicopathological features, and prognosis was evaluated by χ2, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. The regulatory effects of EMX2OS on CSCC cells were investigated by CCK8 and Transwell assays, while the underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated by luciferase reporter assays. Significant down-regulation of EMX2OS was observed in CSCC, correlating with advanced FIGO stages, poor differentiation and adverse prognosis of patients. Over-expression of EMX2OS significantly suppressed cell growth and metastasis in CSCC. Negative regulation of miR-574-5p by EMX2OS was observed, and over-expression of miR-574-5p alleviated the inhibition of CSCC cells by EMX2OS. Down-regulated EMX2OS indicates severe disease progression and poor prognosis in CSCC. Over-expression of EMX2OS could inhibit CSCC cell growth and metastasis by negatively modulating miR-574-5p.