MiR-3144 Suppresses Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Promotes Cell Apoptosis by Targeting Steap4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that miR-3144 is down-regulated in HCC tissues. The present study investigated the expression and biological roles, underlying mechanisms of miR-3144 in HCC cell lines. Methods and material: RT-qPCR analysis was performed to detect miR-3144 expression in the HCC cell lines and normal hepatic cell line. CCK-8 assay showed that the effect of miR-3144 expression on cell proliferation. Using wound healing assay and Transwell assay to detect the effect of miR-3144 on cell invasion and migration of HCC. Flow cytometry assay showed that miR-3144 induced apoptotic cell death in the SK-HEP-1 cells. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the interaction between miR-3144 and the Steap4 3′-UTR. Western blotting assay were performed to investigate the effect of miR-3144 expression on the expression of CDK2, cyclinE1, p21, MMP2, MMP9 and Steap4. Results: MiR-3144 expression was downregulated in HCC cell lines. MiR-3144 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells via regulating CDK2, cyclinE1 and p21 in SK-HEP-1 cells. MiR-3144 suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells via decreasing the MMP2 and MMP9. Further, miR-3144 promotes cell apoptosis of HCC. Moreover, miR-3144 negatively regulated Steap4 expression by directly binding to the 3′-UTR of Steap4 mRNA. Conclusion: Our results suggested that miR-3144 may be a novel target for future HCC therapy.