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Increasing evidence proved the abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various human malignancies, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Nevertheless, limited explorations concern the role of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) in OSCC. Herein, SNHG17 was disclosed to be remarkably upregulated in OSCC cell lines and promoted OSCC cell growth. Further mechanistic studies, including DNA/RNA pull down, RIP, ChIP, and luciferase reporter gene assays, were conducted. It was confirmed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in the SNHG17-mediated OSCC cell growth. Moreover, E74 like ETS transcription factor 1 (ELF1) was identified as the transcription activator of CTNNB1 (β-catenin mRNA) in OSCC. Inspired by competing for endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network, we were pleasantly surprised to find that SNHG17 and ELF1 functioned as ceRNAs in OSCC via competitively binding to microRNA-384 (miR-384). By using rescue assays, we revealed that SNHG17 facilitated OSCC cell growth through modulating miR-384/ELF1 axis. Importantly, we certified that ELF1 was indispensable for SNHG17-affected OSCC progression. Collectively, it can be concluded that SNHG17/miR-384/ELF1 axis contributed to OSCC cell growth via promoting CTNNB1 expression, thus activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

The search for non-noble metal catalysts with high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for efficient hydrogen production at low cost and on a large scale. Herein, we report a novel WO3–xcatalyst synthesized on carbon nanofiber mats (CFMs) by electrospinning and followed by a carbonization process in a tubal furnace. The morphology and composition of the catalysts were tailored via a simple method, and the hybrid catalyst mats were used directly as cathodes to investigate their HER performance. Notably, the as-prepared catalysts exhibit substantially enhanced activity for the HER, demonstrating a small overpotential, a high exchange current density, and a large cathodic current density. The remarkable electrocatalytic performances result from the poor crystallinity of WO3–x, the high electrical conductivity of WO3–x, and the use of electrospun CNFs. The present work outlines a straightforward approach for the synthesis of transition metal oxide (TMO)-based carbon nanofiber mats with promising applications for the HER.