Long non-coding RNA FLVCR1-AS1 functions as a ceRNA to aggravate cervical cancer cell growth by the miR-381-3p/MAGT1 axis.

Purpose: Cervical cancer (CC), as one of the most widespread gynecological malignancies in the world, severely threatens women health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) could exert vital functions in assorted cancers, including CC. Although FLVCR heme transporter 1 antisense RNA 1 (FLVCR1-AS1) has been recognized as a critical effector in different cancers, its precise role and mechanisms have never been studied in CC.

Methods: RT-qPCR analysis was done for the measurement of the expression of FLVCR1-AS1, magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) and miR-381-3p in CC cells. Supported by western blot analysis, functional assays were done to evaluate the CC cell phenotype, while mechanism assays were done to explore the putative correlation among genes.

Results: In CC cells, FLVCR1-AS1 and MAGT1 were upregulated and miR-381-3p was downregulated. FLVCR1-AS1 or MAGT1 knockdown or miR-381-3p augment restrained CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but facilitated cell apoptosis. FLVCR1-AS1 sponged miR-381-3p, and MAGT1 was targeted by the FLVCR1-AS1/miR-381-3p axis. It was also revealed that the inhibitory influences of FLVCR1-AS1 silence on CC cell malignant behaviors were countervailed by MAGT1 overexpression.

Conclusion: FLVCR1-AS1 exacerbated the malignant phenotype of CC cells via the miR-381-3p/MAGT1 axis.