KCNQ1OT1 promotes melanoma growth and metastasis.

Melanoma is the deadliest cutaneous neoplasm. To prevent metastasis, early diagnosis and surgical treatment is vital. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in tumors. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in melanoma. Real time PCR demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 expression is up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cells. KCNQ1OT1 promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in melanoma. By directly bindin to miR-153, KCNQ1OT1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to de-repress MET expression. Our results may provide the basis for a novel strategy for early detection and/or treatment of melanoma.