Long non-coding RNA H19 promotes the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer through upregulating DNMT1 expression by sponging miR-152

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in tumors played important roles in various biological processes. However, the biological role and molecular mechanism of H19 in breast cancer are unclear. Here, we found that H19 was aberrantly upregulated in human breast tumor tissues and cells. A negative correlation between H19 and miR-152 and positive correlation between H19 and DNMT1 mRNA were observed. Downregulation of H19 and DNMT1 significantly retarded breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. H19 act as an endogenous sponge by directly binding to miR-152. miR-152 directly targeted DNMT1 and was regulated by H19. Besides, H19 overexpression dramatically relieved the inhibition of miR-152 on DNMT1 expression. miR-152 inhibition and DNMT1 overexpression obviously reversed the inhibitory effects of H19 downregulation on cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, H19 promoted proliferation and invasion of breast cancer through the miR-152/DNMT1 axis, providing a novel mechanism about the occurrence and development of breast cancer.