Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. This work aimed to delve into the characteristics of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1  in CRC.
Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was adopted to examine PITPNA-AS1, miR-129-5p , high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) mRNA expressions in CRC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays were employed to examine cell proliferation; wound healing assay was utilized to detect cell migration; and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and Western blot were conducted to detect the regulatory relationships among PITPNA-AS1, miR-129-5p  and HMGB1.
Results: PITPNA-AS1  and HMGB1 mRNA expressions were observably elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Knocking down PITPNA-AS1  could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis of CRC cells. PITPNA-AS1  could serve as a competitive endogenous RNA, and up-regulate HMGB1 expression by adsorbing miR-129-5p .
Conclusion: PITPNA-AS1  can expedite CRC cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis through miR-129-5p /HMGB1 axis.
Keywords: colorectal cancer, PITPNA-AS1 , miR-129-5p , HMGB1