Long non-coding RNA LBX2-AS1 activates IL4R to promote glioblastoma metastasis and angiogenesis by binding to the transcription factor NFKB1.

Introduction: LncRNA LBX2-AS1 drives the development of various cancers, but the exact mechanism whereby LBX2-AS1 affects glioblastoma (GBM) progression is unaddressed. This study intended to delineate the regulatory mechanism of LBX2-AS1 in GBM metastasis and angiogenesis.

Material and methods: LBX2-AS1 level in GBM was assessed by bioinformatics methods. The lncRNA-transcription factor (TF)-mRNA trios were predicted using the lncMAP database. Correlation between genes was predicted by Pearson analysis. The binding relationship was predicted by JASPAR. Levels of LBX2-AS1 and its downstream genes were assayed via qRT-PCR. Changes in expressions of VEGF-A, IL4R, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins were assessed through western blot. GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assayed through CCK8, colony formation, and Transwell experiments. In vitro angiogenesis capacity was evaluated via a HUVEC tube formation experiment. The regulatory relationship between various genes was verified through radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and dual-luciferase assays.

Results: LBX2-AS1 was elevated in GBM, and in vitro experiments demonstrated the stimulatory effect of LBX2-AS1 on GBM cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. We observed that LBX2-AS1 activated IL4R expression by binding the transcription factor NFKB1, thus promoting the progression of GBM. Rescue experiments illustrated that silencing IL4R or NFKB1 reversed the impact of forced LBX2-AS1 expression on GBM cells.

Conclusions: This study revealed the mechanism of the LBX2-AS1/NFKB1/IL4R axis in driving GBM metastasis and angiogenesis, which may help to improve the regulatory network of GBM malignant progression and provide potential targets for GBM treatment.