Open AccessmiR-650 Promotes the Metastasis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Directly Inhibiting LATS2 Expression
Author(s) -
Li Han,
Xiao Ran Yin,
Shu Qun Zhang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cellular physiology and biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.486
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1421-9778
pISSN - 1015-8987
DOI - 10.1159/000495495
Subject(s) - hepatocellular carcinoma , epithelial–mesenchymal transition , cancer research , microrna , metastasis , western blot , immunohistochemistry , suppressor , biology , medicine , pathology , cancer , gene , biochemistry
Background/Aims: Previous studies have confirmed that microRNAs are involved in the metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of malignancies. In this study, we examined whether miR-650 promotes the migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by targeting the large tumor suppressor kinase 2 gene (LATS2). Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect expression of miR-650 in HCC tissues and paired normal tissues. MTT and Transwell assay were used to observe the effect of miR-650 on proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Western blot assay and Immunohistochemistry were performed to demonstrate association between miR-650 expression level and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein. Mechanistically, Reporter luciferase assay was performed to reveal whether large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) was a direct target of miR-650 in HCC cells. Results: We observed that miR-650 levels were largely up-regulated in HCC tissues, and that the increased expression was closely associated with the adverse clinical features of HCC patients. Additionally, the expression of LATS2, which was identified as a direct target of miR-650, can counteract the effects of miR-650 in HCC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that high miR-650 expression levels and low LATS2 expression levels in tumors may indicate a poor prognosis for HCC patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, the miR-650/LATS2 pathway may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and an attractive therapeutic target for HCC patients.