LINC00511 knockdown enhances paclitaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer via regulating miR-29c/CDK6 axis

Aims: Drug resistance is becoming a major clinical challenge to the success of breast cancer treatment. Compelling evidence has shown the association between the deregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and drug resistance in various malignancies. However, the effects of long intergenic noncoding RNA 00511 (LINC00511), a newly identified oncogenic lncRNA, on the drug resistance of breast cancer cells remain unknown.

Main methods: RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expressions of LINC00511, miR-29c, and cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) in breast cancer tissues and cells. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miR-29c, CDK6 and LINC00511 expression in breast cancer tissues. The interactions between LINC00511, CDK6 and miR-29c were explored by luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and western blot. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were applied to evaluate paclitaxel cytotoxicity.

Key findings: LINC00511 and CDK6 were upregulated while miR-29c was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells. miR-29c was negatively correlated with LINC00511 and CDK6 expression while LINC00511 was positively correlated with CDK6 expression in breast cancer tissues. LINC0051 directly interacted with miR-29c to suppress its expression. LINC00511 knockdown enhanced paclitaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells by upregulating miR-29c. CDK6 was identified as a target of miR-29c. CDK6 knockdown attenuated the effects of miR-29c inhibition on paclitaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells. LINC00511 positively regulated CDK6 expression in breast cancer cells.

Significance: LINC00511 knockdown enhanced paclitaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells via regulating miR-29c/CDK6 axis.