LncRNA LINC02381/miR-133b axis promotes tumorigenesis and predicts survival in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: LncRNA LINC02381 has emerged as a promising tumor biomarker; however, its involvement in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer remains unexplored at this time. The objective of this study is to elucidate the regulatory effect of LINC02381 in pancreatic cancer and to ascertain its potential prognostic significance. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of the pancreatic cancer patients included were meticulously analyzed, with a total of 112 pancreatic cancer and 75 normal tissue samples collected. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect LINC02381 and miR-133b expression. The proliferative activity of pancreatic cancer cells was verified via in vitro CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The targeting relationship between LINC02381 and miR-133b was discussed by dual-luciferase reporting assay and RIP assay, and the prognostic potential of LINC02381 in pancreatic cancer was predicted by Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The level of LINC02381 was dramatically increased in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells, while miR-133b level was decreased. LINC02381 knockdown suppressed the proliferation behavior, migratory ability, and invasive processes of pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-1, BxPC-3, ASP-1, and SUIT-2). Moreover, miR-133b is the downstream target of LINC02381, exhibiting a negative correlation with LINC02381 expression. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of LINC02381 are associated with diminished survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker for this malignancy. These findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the role of LINC02381 in pancreatic cancer progression and patient prognosis.