JHDM1D-AS1 aggravates the development of gastric cancer through miR-450a-2-3p-PRAF2 axis

Aims To investigate the molecular function and mechanisms of JHDM1D antisense 1 (JHDM1D-AS1) during gastric cancer (GC) progression. Materials and methods The qPCR assay was used to detect the JHDM1D-AS1 and miR-450a-2-3p expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis was used for exploring the lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA interaction network. We performed dual-luciferase reporter assay and qPCR assay in order to validate the direct interactions. We explored the JHDM1D-AS1 and miR-450a-2-3p on GC progression by using JHDM1D-AS1 siRNA and miR-450a-2-3p inhibitor; in vitro CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and invasion assay were conducted. Further, in vivo animal experiments were performed, and the expression levels of miR-450a-2-3p and PRAF2 in the tumor tissues were detected using qPCR and western blot analysis. Key findings The expression levels of JHDM1D-AS1 and miR-450a-2-3p in GC tissues and cell lines were higher and lower as compared to those in the corresponding normal controls, respectively. Moreover, high levels of JHDM1D-AS1 were closely related with metastasis and the GC TNM stage. Functionally, JHDM1D-AS1 depletion caused an obvious reduction in cell proliferation and invasion both in vitro and in vivo, while the addition of miR-450a-2-3p inhibitor could nullify these effects. Mechanically, JHDM1D-AS1 promoted GC progression via the sponging of miR-450a-2-3p in order to increase PRAF2 expression. Significance The present results showed that the increased expression of JHDM1D-AS1 was closely associated with tumor progression of GC. JHDM1D-AS1/miR-450a-2-3p/PRAF2 axis may be a promising target for GC treatment.