Downregulation of lncRNA CCHE1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by suppressing MEK/ERK/c-MYC pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to investigate the functionality of lncRNA CCHE1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MiRNA levels of lncRNA CCHE1 were examined by RT-qPCR. CCK8 assay and colony formation assay were together performed to detect cell proliferation viability. Furthermore, wound healing assay and transwell assay were respectively conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. In addition, proteins related to MEK/ERK/c-MYC pathway were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Elevated levels of CCHE1 were verified in NPC cell lines. Downregulation of CCHE1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and suppressed A549 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. MEK/ERK/c-MYC pathway was activated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Treatment of PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) or SCH772984 (ERK inhibitor) reversed the effects of CCHE1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NPC. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that downregulation of lncRNA CCHE1 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion by suppressing MEK/ERK/c-MYC pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]