Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via interacting with SIRT1

Nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), a long noncoding RNA, is found to be significantly dysregulated in different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about the precise functions and processes of NEAT1 in the progression of CRC. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 50 CRC specimens from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, we assessed the expression of NEAT1 to determine its clinical impact. Through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Cancer Single-cell State Atlas (CancerSEA), and immune infiltration studies, we elucidated key functions of NEAT1. We utilized Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing, and Transwell assays to investigate the role of NEAT1 in the progression of CRC. Through the use of GSEA and immunohistochemistry, additional investigations were conducted to unveil the downstream targets of NEAT1 and gain insights into their regulatory dynamics. Our in vitro studies confirmed the regulatory role of NEAT1 in CRC. Findings indicate that increased NEAT1 expression correlates with adverse outcomes in colorectal tissues. In the CRC model, reduced levels of NEAT1 lead to reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Additionally, NEAT1 influenced immune cell infiltration in CRC and functioned as an oncogene by upregulating Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. This study demonstrates that NEAT1 promotes CRC progression and metastasis through a SIRT1-mediated mechanism, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.