MicroRNA-370 functions as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibition of the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway by targeting BEX2

J Hum Genet. 2019 Dec;64(12):1203-1217. doi: 10.1038/s10038-019-0653-x. Epub 2019 Sep 17.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Accumulating studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the development and progression of HCC. Through microarray-based gene expression profiling of HCC, miR-370, and BEX2 were identified in HCC. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate their abilities on the cellular processes in HCC. It was determined that BEX2 was highly expressed and miR-370 was poorly expressed in HCC cell lines and tissues. Then, the cell line presenting with the highest BEX2 expression and the lowest miR-370 expression was selected for subsequent gain- and loss-of-function experimentation. The antitumor effect of miR-370 on HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, as well as the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway was examined. Meanwhile, the interaction among miR-370, BEX2, and MAPK/JNK signaling pathway was identified. BEX2 is verified to be a target of miR-370. Moreover, miR-370 exerted antitumor effect on HCC development through suppression of the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway by targeting BEX2. Later, it was further verified by in vivo experiment that overexpression of miR-370 inhibited tumor growth. Above results provide evidence that miR-370 could downregulate BEX2 gene and inhibit activation of MAPK/JNK signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the development of HCC. It provides a worth-trying novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor / physiology*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / genetics*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*

Substances

  • BEX2 protein, human
  • MIRN370 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins