Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate various cellular processes, and
they have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in
cancer. We have previously characterized the oncogenic role of lncRNA
PICSAR (p38 inhibited cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated
lincRNA) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), the most common
metastatic skin cancer. In this study, we show that knockdown of PICSAR
in cSCC cells upregulates expression of α2, α5 and β1 integrins,
resulting in increased cell adhesion and decreased cell migration on
collagen I and fibronectin. In contrast, overexpression of PICSAR in
cSCC cells downregulates expression of α2, α5 and β1 integrins on cell
surface, resulting in decreased cell adhesion on collagen I and
fibronectin and increased cell migration. These results demonstrate a
novel mechanism for regulation of the expression of collagen and
fibronectin binding integrins by lncRNA PICSAR, leading to altered
adhesion and migration of cSCC cells.