Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
Published on: April 25, 2022
MicroRNA-939 induces apoptosis in human liver cancer cells by targeting CRKL expression
Hongbin Bao1, Hao Yao1, Dawei Ma1
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei, China.
Introduction:
Over the years, microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to exhibit therapeutic implications in the treatment of cancer. Consistently, this study was designed to examine the expression profile and to decipher the therapeutic implications of miR-939 in human liver cancer.
Material And Methods:
Expression profiling was performed by qRT-PCR and the proliferation rate of liver cancer cells was monitored by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and clonogenic assays. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and annexin V-FITC assays were used to determine the induction of apoptosis. Ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was used to determine protein expression.
Results:
miR-939 was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in the liver cancerous tissues and cell lines. miR-939 overexpression significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the proliferation and colony formation of liver cancer cells. Ultrastructural analysis, DAPI and annexin V/PI assays showed induction of apoptosis in miR-939 overexpressing liver cancer cells. This was accompanied by upregulation of Bax, p53 and suppression of Bcl-2. In silico analysis showed CRKL to be the target of miR-939. The downregulation of CRKL mimicked the molecular effects of miR-939 in liver cancer cells. Nonetheless, CRKL overexpression abolished the growth inhibitory effects of miR-939 on liver cancer cells.
Conclusions:
The present study established the role of the miR-939/CRKL molecular axis in regulation of liver cancer proliferation, and it may also prove an essential therapeutic target for its management.
Insights
MicroRNA-939 (miR-939) is downregulated in liver cancer. Restoring miR-939 inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis, targeting CRKL, suggesting miR-939 as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
- Understanding specific miRs' roles in liver cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profile of miR-939 in human liver cancer.
- To elucidate the therapeutic implications and molecular mechanisms of miR-939 in liver cancer.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for expression profiling.
- Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), clonogenic, DAPI, and annexin V-FITC assays for proliferation and apoptosis.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blotting for ultrastructural and protein analysis.
- In silico analysis to identify miR-939 targets.
Main Results:
- miR-939 was significantly downregulated in liver cancer tissues and cell lines.
- Overexpression of miR-939 reduced liver cancer cell proliferation and colony formation.
- miR-939 induced apoptosis, upregulating Bax and p53 while downregulating Bcl-2.
- CRKL was identified as a direct target of miR-939; its downregulation mimicked miR-939 effects, and its overexpression counteracted miR-939's inhibition.
Conclusions:
- The miR-939/CRKL axis plays a key role in regulating liver cancer cell proliferation.
- miR-939 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic target for liver cancer management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
02:15Experimental RNAi
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway