lncRNA SNHG15 Induced by SOX12 Promotes the Tumorigenic Properties and Chemoresistance in Cervical Cancer via the miR-4735-3p/HIF1a Pathway

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies in females, with high prevalence and mortality globally. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies developed in recent years, CC is still a major health burden worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of CC need to be understood. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the role of lncRNA SNHG15 in CC progression. Using qRT-PCR, we determined that lncRNA SNHG15 is highly expressed in CC tumor tissues and cells. lncRNA SNHG15 knockdown also reduces the tumorigenic properties of CC in vitro, as determined using the MTT, EdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Using bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, ChIP, and luciferase reporter assays, we verified the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA SNHG15 in CC progression and found that lncRNA SNHG15 expression in CC cells is transcriptionally regulated by SOX12; moreover, lncRNA SNHG15 promotes CC progression via the miR-4735-3p/HIF1a axis. This study can provide a potential target for CC diagnosis or therapeutic strategies in the future.