IncRNA XIST Targets miR-124/JAG1 via CeRNA Mechanism to Facilitate the Migration and Proliferation of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: This study was designed to characterize the effect of lncRNA XIST on the migration as well as proliferation of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and its associated molecular mechanisms. Methods: Chip-seq analysis screened the aberrant lncRNA in TSCC patients. CCK-8 and scratch experiment detected cell migration and proliferation in TSCC after lncRNA XIST inhibition. We predicted and verified lncRNA XIST target miRNA. CCK-8 and scratch test examined the cell migration and proliferation effects in TSCC after transfection of miR-124 mimics. Luciferase reporter experiment confirmed the interaction of miR124 with JAG1. Western blot validated influence of lncRNA XIST on miR-124/JAG1 axis. Results: We found that lncRNA XIST was up-regulated in TSCC patients, and it facilitated the TSCC cell migration and proliferation in vitro. lncRNA XIST regulated miR-124 expression through ceRNA mechanism. Upregulating miR-124 significantly inhibited TSCC cell migration and proliferation. JAG1 acted as immediate target of miR-124. Moreover, lncRNA XIST targeted miR-124 to regulate JAG1 levels through the ceRNA mechanism. Conclusions: IncRNA XIST encourages TSCC migration and proliferation by modulating miR-124/JAG1 axis.