A novel, liver-specific long noncoding RNA LINC01093 suppresses HCC progression by interaction with IGF2BP1 to...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play roles in cancer, but their specific functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear.
• Identifying novel molecular players and their mechanisms is crucial for understanding and treating HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize a novel liver-specific lncRNA involved in HCC.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this lncRNA in HCC progression.
• To evaluate its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR to assess LINC01093 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines.
• Correlation analysis between LINC01093 expression and clinical parameters (TNM stage, metastasis).
• In vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the effects of LINC01093 overexpression and knockdown on HCC cell proliferation and metastasis.
• RNA immunoprecipitation and Western blot assays to investigate the interaction between LINC01093, IGF2BP1, and GLI1 mRNA.

Main Results:

• LINC01093 was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and inversely correlated with cancer embolus and TNM stage.
• Overexpression of LINC01093 suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown promoted HCC progression.
• LINC01093 directly binds IGF2BP1, disrupting the IGF2BP1-GLI1 mRNA interaction, leading to GLI1 mRNA degradation and reduced expression of downstream oncogenic molecules.

Conclusions:

• The liver-enriched lncRNA LINC01093 acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC.
• LINC01093 serves as a promising prognostic indicator for HCC patients.
• The LINC01093-IGF2BP1-GLI1 axis represents a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.