Long non-coding RNA muskelin 1 antisense RNA as a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis, including tumor development, progression, and drug resistance.
• The specific function and clinical significance of the lncRNA muskelin 1 antisense RNA (MKLN1-AS) in HCC remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological role and clinical relevance of MKLN1-AS in hepatocellular carcinoma.
• To evaluate MKLN1-AS as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure MKLN1-AS expression levels in HCC tissues.
• Statistical analysis correlated MKLN1-AS expression with clinical parameters, including vascular invasion and patient survival.
• Functional studies involved MKLN1-AS knockdown in HCC cell lines and in vivo models to assess effects on cell growth and metastasis.
• The impact of MKLN1-AS knockdown on lenvatinib-induced apoptosis was examined.

Main Results:

• MKLN1-AS expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
• Elevated MKLN1-AS levels were associated with vascular invasion and poorer disease-free and overall survival in HCC patients.
• Knockdown of MKLN1-AS suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
• Reducing MKLN1-AS expression enhanced the pro-apoptotic effects of lenvatinib in HCC cells.

Conclusions:

• MKLN1-AS is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and serves as a potential prognostic indicator for patient outcomes.
• MKLN1-AS promotes HCC progression and metastasis, highlighting its role as a therapeutic target.
• Targeting MKLN1-AS may represent a novel strategy for improving HCC treatment efficacy, potentially in combination with existing therapies like lenvatinib.