Emerging evidences have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential biomarkers, playing important roles in the development of cancer. LncRNA Activated in RCC with Sunitinib Resistance (lncARSR) is a novel lncRNA that functions as a potential biomarker and is involved in the progression of cancers. However, the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of lncARSR in bladder cancer (Bca) remains unknow. In this study, we discovered that lncARSR was significantly up-regulated in bladder cancer. In addition, increased expression of lncARSR was positively correlated with higher histological grade and larger tumor size. Further experiments demonstrated that suppression of lncARSR attenuated the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of Bca cells. Mechanistically, lncARSR was mainly located in the cytoplasm and acted as a miRNA sponge to positively modulate the expression of Sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility-group box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) via sponging miR-129-5p and subsequently promoted the proliferation and metastasis of Bca cells, thus playing an oncogenic role in Bca pathogenesis. In conclusion, our study indicated that lncARSR plays a critical regulatory role in Bca cells and lncARSR may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder cancer.

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