Long non-coding RNA CRNDE suppressing cell proliferation is regulated by DNA methylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

•CRNDE expression is regulated by DNA methylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.•CRNDE modulates NDRG2 expression via competitively binding miR-28.•CRNDE inhibits proliferation of MEC-1 and HG3 cells via miR-28/NDRG2 axis.•CRNDE promotes apoptosis of MEC-1 and HG3 cells via miR-28/NDRG2 axis.