Prognostic value of lncRNA HCG4 in thyroid cancer and its regulatory effect on tumor progression

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with metastasis has a poor prognosis and requires effective prognostic markers. Becauselong non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) HCG4 is abnormally expressed in thyroid cancer, this study investigated its prognostic valuefor PTC and its regulatory mechanisms.

This study included 128 patients with PTC. The prognostic value of HCG4 was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves.COX analysis was used to identify prognostic factors affecting PTC. HCG4 and miR-146b-5p levels in tissues and cells were assessed usingreal-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation was detected using a cell counting kit(CCK-8 kit). Cell invasion and migration were assessed using a Transwell assay. The binding relationship between HCG4 and miR-146b-5pwas detected using dual-luciferase reporter (DLR).

HCG4 levels were reduced in PTC tissues, and cells compared with normal tissues, while miR-146b-5p levels were increased. PTCpatients with low HCG4 levels demonstrated lower 5-year survival rates, and HCG4 also serves as an independent protective prognosticfactor for PTC. HCG4 negatively regulates the level of miR-146b-5p. HCG4 overexpression inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migrationabilities of the cells. These abilities were restored by increasing the level of miR-146b-5p. Therefore, increasing HCG4 could reducethe level of miR-146b-5p, thereby alleviating PTC development.

HCG4 demonstrates favorable prognostic value. Overexpression of HCG4 can reduce the level of miR-146b-5p, inhibit the survival rate and invasiveness of PTC cells, and thereby potentially alleviate the progression of PTC.