BACKGROUND: The function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) BMP/OP-responsive gene (BORG) has only been studied in breast cancer. We analyzed the role of BORG in colorectal cancer (CRC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: BORG in CRC tissues and non-cancer tissues from 66 CRC patients was detected by performing quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). BORG in plasma of CRC patients was detected at 3 times-points: before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. p53 expression in tumor tissues was also detected by RT-qPCR. QPCR was performed to confirm the overexpression of p53 in cells of both CRC cell lines.

RESULTS: We found that BORG expression was upregulated in CRC tissues and was inversely correlated with p53. With application of carboplatin-based treatment, the expression level of BORG was further upregulated. In CRC cells, carboplatin upregulated the expression of BORG and BORG negatively regulated p53. Under carboplatin treatment, BORG positively regulated the viability of CRC cells. In addition, p53 overexpression attenuated the effects of BORG overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS: BORG promotes the development of chemoresistance of CRC cells to carboplatin.

Keywords: Carboplatin, Colorectal Neoplasms, Down-Regulation, Tumor Suppressor Protein p53