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miR-4484 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression via targeting KIF2C

Jianyang Lin1,2, Yun Cai3, Zhihong Chen1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Zhenjiang First People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.

RNA Biology
|October 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-4484 (miR-4484) acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor growth. It targets KIF2C, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Aberrant microRNA-4484 (miR-4484) expression is implicated in diseases, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is understudied.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern with a need for novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of miR-4484 in HCC progression.
  • To elucidate the regulatory relationship between miR-4484 and KIF2C in HCC.
  • To evaluate miR-4484 as a potential therapeutic agent for HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of TCGA-LIHC database for miR-4484 and KIF2C expression.
  • In vitro studies using HCC cell lines to assess miR-4484 effects on proliferation and cell cycle.
  • Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assays to confirm direct binding of miR-4484 to KIF2C.
  • In vivo experiments in nude mice using miR-4484 mimics to evaluate tumor growth inhibition.

Main Results:

  • miR-4484 was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor prognosis.
  • miR-4484 overexpression suppressed HCC cell proliferation and induced G1 phase arrest.
  • KIF2C was upregulated in HCC and inversely correlated with miR-4484 levels.
  • miR-4484 directly targeted KIF2C, inhibiting its expression and downstream effects.
  • In vivo administration of miR-4484 mimic significantly reduced HCC tumor growth in mice.

Conclusions:

  • miR-4484 functions as a tumor suppressor in HCC by targeting KIF2C.
  • Restoring miR-4484 levels inhibits HCC progression and tumor growth.
  • miR-4484 represents a promising therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Keywords:
KIF2Cantineoplasticbiomarkerhepatocellular carcinomamiR-4484

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