LncRNA DLEU1 is overexpressed in premature ovarian failure and sponges miR-146b-5p to increase granulosa cell apoptosis

Background miR-146b-5p has been reported to participate in premature ovarian failure (POF) in mice. However, its role in POF patients is unclear. We predicted that miR-146b-5p might interact with lncRNA DLEU1, a crucial player in ovarian cancer. We then explored the interaction between DLEU1 and miR-146b-5p. Methods Expression of DLEU1 and miR-146b-5p in POF and control ovary tissues was determined by RT-qPCR. The subcellular location of DLEU1 in human KGN cells was analyzed using subcellular fractionation assays. The direct interaction between DLEU1 and miR-146b-5p was analyzed using RNA pull-down assays. The role of DLEU1 in miR-146a expression was analyzed using overexpression assay. Cell proliferation was analyzed using cell apoptosis assay. Results Increased DLEU1 expression and decreased miR-146b-5p expression were observed in POF. DLEU1 directly interacted with MiR-146b-5p and was expressed in both nuclear and cytoplasm samples of KGN cells. In KGN cells, DLEU1 and miR-146b-5p failed to regulate the expression of each other. However, DLEU1 promoted cell apoptosis and reduced the inhibitory effects of miR-146b-5p on cell apoptosis. Conclusions DLEU1 is overexpressed in POF and sponges miR-146b-5p to increase KGN cell apoptosis.