Purpose To investigate the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FGD5-AS1 in oral cancer (OC) and to further clarify the regulation of FGD5-AS1 on miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis. Results FGD5-AS1 was significantly increased in OC tissues and cells. Loss of FGD5-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OC cells. FGD5-AS1 acted as a sponge of miR-153-3p, and MCL1 was direct target of miR-153-3p. Forced expression of miR-153-3p or inhibition of MCL1 reversed the promoted role of FGD5-AS1 on OC cells' migration and invasion. The in vivo tumor growth assay showed that FGD5-AS1 promoted OC tumorigenesis by regulating miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis. Conclusions Our research revealed lncRNA FGD5-AS1 acted as an oncogene by regulating MCL1 via sponging miR-153-3p, thus providing some novel experimental basis for clinical treatment or prevention of OC. Patients and methods The mRNA expression of FGD5-AS1, miR-153-3p and MCL1 was detected by qRT-PCR. CCK8 assay, Edu assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to detect the FGD5-AS1/ miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis function on proliferation, migration and invasion in OC cells. Western blot was used to calculate protein level of MCL1. Luciferase assay was used to detect the binding of miR-153-3p and MCL1, FGD5-AS1and miR-153-3p.
