ABSTRACT
@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-CCAT2 on the proliferation and cell cycle of cervical cancer cells. Methods: The expression of CCAT2 in 3 cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, C-33A, and CaSki) was detected by qPCR and the cell line with the highest expression level was selected for subsequent experiments. CCAT2 overexpression and interference vectors were designed and synthesized. After transfection, qPCR was performed to detect the transfection efficiency. The cells were divided into 5 groups: control, sh-EV (empty vector), overExp-EV , sh-CCAT2, and overExp-CCAT2. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. Flow cytometry was performed to measure cell cycle. WB was performed to detect the expressions of Ki67, cyclin D1, and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). Results: Among HeLa, C-33A, and CaSki cells, the highest expression of CCAT2 was found in CaSki cells. CCAT2 overexpression and interference vectors were successfully transfected into the CaSki cells. Compared with the control group, the cells viability and proliferation in the sh-CCAT2 group was significantly decreased (all P<0.01), the proportion of cells in the G1 phase was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression levels of Ki67, cyclin D1, and CDK4 were significantly decreased (all P<0.01). However, in the overExp-CCAT2 group, the cell proliferation was enhanced and the expression levels of Ki67, cyclin D1, and CDK4 were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Conclusion: CCAT2 affects proliferation and cell cycle of cervical cancer cells by regulating the expressions of their associated proteins.