LncRNA TMPO-AS1 serves as a sponge for miR-4731-5p modulating breast cancer progression through FOXM1.

Objective: To investigate the function of IncRNA-TMPO-AS1 in breast cancer (BC) and to further explore its molecular mechanism.

Methods: TMPO-AS1, miR-4731-5p and FOXM1 were quantitatively determined using qRT-PCR. CCK-8 assays, plate cloning experiments, wound healing and Transwell assays, and flow cytometry were used to assess the biological behaviors of BC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the interactions between TMPO-AS1 and its downstream targets. The apoptosis and cell cycle-related proteins were quantitatively determined using Western blot.

Results: In the BC tissues and cells, TMPO-AS1 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Functional studies suggest that the knockdown of TMPO-AS1 tremendously restrains tumor cell growth and migration (P<0.05). Mechanically, TMPO-AS1 negatively regulates miR-4731-5p and influences the progression of BC through the miR-4731-5p/FOXM1 axis.

Conclusion: LncRNA TMPO-AS1spongess miR-4731-5p to modulate BC progression through FOXM1.