LncRNA EGFR-AS1 Regulates Breast Cancer Cells Function and Sensitivity to Docetaxel Via the miR-149-5p/ELP5 Axis

Abstract Background: Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on investigating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their role in regulating the progression of various cancer types. However, the biological effects and underlying mechanisms of EGFR-AS1, a typical lncRNA, remain largely unclear in breast cancer.Methods: Differential expression of EGFR-AS1 in breast cancer tissue was analyzed using an integrative database and verified in breast cancer tissue samples and cells via real-time PCR analysis and western blotting analysis. The tumor promoter role of EGFR-AS1 in breast cancer cells was determined through MTT, EDU analysis, colony formation and transwell assays,and the effect of EGFR-AS1 on docetaxel drug sensitivity was examined. We then performed bioinformatic analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay to identify the binding sites of EGFR-AS1/miR-149-5p and miR-149-5p/ELP5. Results from western blotting and biological function studies provided insights into whether the EGFR-AS1/miR-149-5p/ELP5 axis regulates breast cancer development in vitro and in vivo. Results: EGFR-AS1 is upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells and promotes the progression of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, miR-149-5p is downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Mechanistically, EGFR-AS1 regulates ELP5 levels by sponging miR-149-5p, thereby affecting cell progression and promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Hence, the EGFR-AS1/miR-149-5p/ELP5 axis is involved in breast cancer proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug, docetaxel, in breast cancer cells. Conclusions: EGFR-AS1 sponges miR-149-5p to affect the expression level of ELP5 ultimately acting as a new tumor promotor in breast cancer. This study provides novel insights into diagnostic and docetaxel-related chemotherapy targets for breast cancer.