Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with a spectrum of biological processes such as gene regulation on transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) lncRNA plays an important role in carcinogenesis; however, the underlying role of HOTTIP in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and function of HOTTIP in CRC. In the present study, we analyzed HOTTIP expression levels of CRC patients in tumor and adjacent normal tissue by real-time quantitative PCR. Knockdown of HOTTIP by RNA interference was performed to explore its roles in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our results found that HOTTIP was upregulated in human primary CRC tissues. Knockdown of HOTTIP inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Above all, knockdown of HOTTIP could represent a rational therapeutic strategy for CRC.

长的非编码RNA（lncRNA）与一系列生物学过程相关，例如转录和转录后水平的基因调控。远端末端的HOXA转录物（HOTTIP）lncRNA在致癌过程中起着重要作用。然而，HOTTIP在结直肠癌（CRC）中的潜在作用仍然未知。本研究的目的是评估HOTTIP在CRC中的表达和功能。在本研究中，我们通过实时定量PCR分析了肿瘤和邻近正常组织中CRC患者的HOTTIP表达水平。进行了RNA干扰对HOTTIP的抑制，以研究其在细胞增殖，迁移和侵袭中的作用。我们的结果发现，HOTTIP在人类原发性CRC组织中上调。敲低HOTTIP抑制CRC细胞的增殖，迁移和侵袭。