Long noncoding RNA HCG11 inhibited growth and invasion in cervical cancer by sponging miR-942-5p and targeting GFI1

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in cancer development.
• The specific role of lncRNA human leukocyte antigen complex group 11 (HCG11) in cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of lncRNA HCG11 in the progression of cervical cancer.
• To investigate the regulatory relationship between HCG11, miR-942-5p, and GFI1 in CC.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR to assess HCG11 expression levels in CC tissues.
• In vitro functional assays (proliferation, invasion) to evaluate HCG11's role.
• RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct binding between HCG11 and miR-942-5p.
• Western blotting to analyze GFI1 expression.

Main Results:

• HCG11 expression was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues.
• Overexpression of HCG11 inhibited CC cell proliferation and invasion.
• HCG11 directly targeted and sponged miR-942-5p.
• miR-942-5p inhibition suppressed CC cell growth and invasion.
• GFI1 was identified as a direct target of miR-942-5p.
• HCG11 overexpression led to increased GFI1 levels, suppressing proliferation and invasion.
• In vivo studies confirmed that HCG11 overexpression suppressed tumor growth and metastasis.

Conclusions:

• lncRNA HCG11 functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer.
• The HCG11/miR-942-5p/GFI1 axis plays a critical role in regulating CC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
• HCG11 represents a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.