Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR functions as a competitive endogenous RNA to regulate PRAF2 expression by sponging miR-326 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: LncRNAs may exert a regulatory effect in tumorigenesis. Although the expression of lncRNA has been confirmed to be notably elevated in the tissues of CSCC, its biological mechanism in CSCC is still unknown.

Methods: expression level in CSCC cell lines was monitored via qRT-PCR. Then CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and EdU assay were adopted to detect cell migration and proliferation. Meanwhile, through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene detection, a new target of was identified. Additionally, Western blotting and RIP analysis were adopted to discuss the possible mechanism.

Results: expression in CSCC cell lines exhibited an obvious elevation. Cell function analysis revealed that overexpression remarkably facilitated CSCC cell migration, proliferation and EMT process, which were impeded by down-regulation of . Furthermore, competitively bound to miR-326, so as to positively modulate miR-326 expression.

Conclusions: These results present that , as a ceRNA, regulates expression by competitive binding to miR-326 during CSCC.