# LncRNA SNHG11 facilitates tumor metastasis by interacting with and stabilizing HIF-1α

## TL;DR

The lncRNA SNHG11 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by stabilizing HIF-1α, a protein linked to tumor growth under low oxygen conditions.

## Contribution

This study reveals a novel mechanism where SNHG11 interacts with and stabilizes HIF-1α, promoting tumor metastasis in CRC.

## Key findings

- SNHG11 is upregulated by promoter hypomethylation in CRC and is linked to poor patient prognosis.
- SNHG11 promotes CRC cell migration and metastasis under hypoxia by stabilizing HIF-1α.
- SNHG11 binds to HIF-1α, blocking its degradation and upregulating HIF-1α target genes like AK4, ENO1, HK2, and Twist1.

## Abstract

Epigenetic alteration is one of the hallmarks of colorectal cancer (CRC). Many driver genes are regulated by DNA methylation in CRC. However, the role of DNA methylation regulating lncRNAs remain elusive. Here, we identify that SNHG11 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 11) is upregulated by promotor hypomethylation in CRC and is associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. SNHG11 can promote CRC cell migration and metastasis under hypoxia. Interestingly, the DNA-binding motif of SNHG11 is similar to that of HIF-1α. In addition, SNHG11-associated genes are enriched with members of the HIF-1 signaling pathway in CRC. Mechanistically, SNHG11 binds to the pVHLrecognition sites on HIF-1α, thus blocking the interaction of pVHL with HIF-1α and preventing its ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, SNHG11 upregulates the expression of HIF-1α target genes, i.e., AK4, ENO1, HK2, and Twist1. Notably, SNHG11 can bind to the HRE sites in the promoter of these genes and increase their transcription. In summary, these results identify a SNHG11/ HIF-1α axis that plays a pivotal role in tumor invasion and metastasis.