Long non-coding RNA DLGAP1-AS1 promotes the progression of gastric cancer via miR-515-5p/MARK4 axis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is an essential regulator of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In the study, we explored the role of lncRNA DLGAP1-AS1 in gastric cancer (GC). qRT-PCR was carried out to detect DLGAP1-AS1 expression in GC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, and transwell experiments were employed to detect the malignant biological behaviors of GC cells with DLGAP1-AS1 knockdown or overexpression. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase report assay were used to confirm the binding relationship between DLGAP1-AS1 and miR-515-5p. MARK4 expression was detected by western blot after DLGAP1-AS1/miR-515-5p was selectively regulated. DLGAP1-AS1 was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was closely associated with larger tumor size, higher TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, DLGAP1-AS1 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and miR-515-5p could reverse these effects. DLGAP1-AS1 participated in the regulation of the MARK4 signaling pathway by targeting miR-515-5p. DLGAP1-AS1 promoted GC progression through miR-515-5p/MARK4 signaling pathway.