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MIR9-3HG/let-7c-5p/THBS1 axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Jinmin Su1, Jiaoling Gu1, Zhizhong Lu2
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 966th Hospital of The PLA Joint Logistic Support Forse, Liaoning, 118000, China.
MIR9-3HG, a long non-coding RNA, is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It promotes HCC aggressiveness by regulating hsa-let-7c-5p and THBS1, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Oncology
- RNA Biology
- Cancer Genomics
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- The specific role of MIR9-3HG in HCC progression was previously unclear.
- Understanding lncRNA functions is vital for developing novel HCC therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of MIR9-3HG in HCC.
- To determine the clinical significance and prognostic value of MIR9-3HG in HCC patients.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying MIR9-3HG's role in HCC progression.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to measure MIR9-3HG, hsa-let-7c-5p, and THBS1 levels in 179 paired HCC tissues and cell lines.
- Statistical analyses including chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression to assess correlations and prognostic value.
- In vitro assays (CCK-8, Transwell) and dual-luciferase reporter assays to evaluate biological functions and validate competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interactions.
Main Results:
- MIR9-3HG was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, correlating with advanced TNM stage, higher grade, vascular invasion, and poorer survival.
- High MIR9-3HG expression served as an independent prognostic factor for HCC.
- MIR9-3HG acted as a ceRNA for hsa-let-7c-5p, leading to the upregulation of THBS1, thereby promoting HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Conclusions:
- MIR9-3HG promotes HCC aggressiveness by functioning as a ceRNA for hsa-let-7c-5p, consequently upregulating THBS1.
- MIR9-3HG demonstrates potential as a valuable prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Targeting the MIR9-3HG/hsa-let-7c-5p/THBS1 axis may offer a therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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