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miR-369-3p serves as prognostic factor and regulates cancer progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
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.
