Tumor-associated macrophages-induced lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 promotes breast cancer metastasis.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote the transition of breast cancer cells from an epithelioid to a mesenchymal phenotype (EMT) and facilitate breast cancer metastasis, but the role of lncRNA in this process is poorly understood. We employed bioinformatics analysis to identify TAMs-related lncRNAs involved in EMT, migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells. LncRNA RP11-627G18.1 was identified as a TAMs-induced lncRNA in breast cancer cells and was further evaluated using RT-qPCR. The roles of lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 in EMT and migration were further explored using RNA interference, western blot, immunofluorescence, wound healing, and transwell assays. We discovered that TAMs-related lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 is positively correlated with EMT, metastasis, and poor prognosis in breast cancer. In vitro studies showed that lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 was induced by TAMs in breast cancer cells, accompanied by enhanced EMT and migration. Knockdown of lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 reversed EMT and inhibited the migration of breast cancer cells. TAMs-induced lncRNA RP11-627G18.1 promoted EMT, migration of breast cancer cells, and tumor metastasis, suggesting it as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.