Long non-coding RNA DLEU1 exerts an oncogenic function in non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To explore the role of long non-coding RNA DLEU1 in the tumorigenesis and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The expression of DLEU1 in NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues was evaluated using bioinformatics analysis and qPCR. The effects of DLEU1 overexpression or deficiency on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were explored experimentally. Additionally, the impact of DLEU1 up-regulation on tumourigenesis was also assessed in vivo. Results: The expression of DLEU1 was up-regulated in NSCLC tumor tissues. DLEU1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion, but inhibited the apoptosis of NSCLC cells by upregulating CDK1 expression, binding with SRC and altering the expression of P70(S6K), MMP2 and E-cadherin. Besides, xenograft tumors in nude mice demonstrated that DLEU1 overexpression accelerated tumor growth. Conclusions: DLEU1 promoted tumorigenesis and progression of NSCLC, and might be a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC.