Objective To investigate the effect of LncRNA-p21 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells by regulating Notch signaling pathway.

Methods The pcDNA-lincRNA-p21 and empty plasmid pcDNA were transfected into A549 cells, and they were divided into overexpression group and empty vector group. Cells from the stably-transfected overexpression group were added with the Notch signaling pathway specific activator Jagged1 protein and set as the Notch activator group. In addition, the cells without treatment were taken as the control group. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion of each group were detected by MTT method, scratch test and Transwell cell test. The expressions of Notch 1, HES-1, NICD, E-cadherin, Vimentin mRNA and protein were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.

Results The A value of MTT test at 24, 48 and 72 hours in the overexpression group was lower than those in the control group, empty vector group and Notch activator group, and the Notch activator group was higher than the control group and the empty vector group (P < 0.05). The cell migration rate, the number of transmembrane cells and the relative expressions of Notch1, HES-1, NICD, Vimentin mRNA and protein of overexpression group at 48 hours were lower than those of the control group, empty vector group and Notch activator group, and the Notch activator group was lower than the control group and the empty vector group (P < 0.05). The relative expressions of E-cadherin mRNA and protein of overexpression group were higher than those of control group, empty vector group and Notch activator group, and the Notch activator group was higher than the control group and the empty vector group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Overexpression of LncRNA-p21 gene could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Its regulatory mechanism may be related to inhibiting Notch signaling pathway, thereby blocking the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of A549 cells.