miR-369-3p serves as prognostic factor and regulates cancer progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating Immune Cell Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment — Challenges and Innovations in Cancer Prognosis
Published on: April 12, 2024
Can Chen1,2, Yi Zong1,3, Jiaojiao Tang2
1The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, PR China.
Insights
MicroRNA-369-3p (miR-369-3p) acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its reduced expression in HCC inhibits cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting SOX4.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC progression is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-369-3p (miR-369-3p) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To determine the potential of miR-369-3p as a therapeutic target in HCC.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for miR-369-3p expression analysis.
- Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays to identify direct targets of miR-369-3p.
Main Results:
- miR-369-3p expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls.
- Overexpression of miR-369-3p in HCC cell lines (Hep 3B, Huh7) inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- SOX4 was identified as a direct target gene regulated by miR-369-3p.
Conclusions:
- miR-369-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Targeting SOX4 by miR-369-3p represents a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
Abstract:
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-369-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: The expression levels of miR-369-3p were detected using the quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis. The cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays were used to explore the effects of miR-369-3p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Results: The miR-369-3p expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, in comparison to the normal controls, respectively. In vitro, overexpression of miR-369-3p in Hep 3B and Huh7 cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. SOX4 was a direct target of miR-369-3p. Conclusion: Our results suggested that miR-369-3p may be a tumor suppressor in HCC by targeting SOX4.
