Long non-coding RNA OR3A4 facilitates cell proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most ordinary cancers worldwide. Recently, researches have suggested the important role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of tumorigenesis. This study aims to identify how lncRNA OR3A4 functions in the development of CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS OR3A4 expressions in 54 paired CRC tissues and CRC cell lines were detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the in vitro functions of OR3A4 in CRC cells were identified by performing proliferation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. Besides, the underlying mechanism of OR3A4 in CRC development was explored through Western blot and RT-qPCR. RESULTS OR3A4 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than adjacent normal ones. Cell proliferation, migration, and CRC were inhibited after OR3A4 was knocked down in vitro, which were promoted after upregulation of OR3A4. Moreover, OR3A4 could activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus influencing phenotypes of CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS OR3A4 enhances CRC cell proliferation and migration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.