MALAT1/miR-26a/26b/ST8SIA4 axis contributes to MDA-MB-231 cell viability, invasion, and migration in breast cancer. (A) The ST8SIA4 mRNA level was analyzed with miR-26a/26b mimics or siMALAT1 transfection. (B) ST8SIA4 protein levels were determined by western blotting. (C and D) Colony formation and Ki67 assays revealed the altered proliferative ability of knockdown cells. (E and F) The migration abilities of the control and modified cells were compared with wound healing assays. (G and H) The migration and invasion abilities were assessed by Transwell assays. *P<0.05. MALAT1, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1; miR, microRNA; ST8SIA4, α-2,8-sialyltransferase; si, small interfering; SCR, scrambled; NC, negative control.