Alternatively-spliced lncRNA-PNUTS promotes HCC cell EMT via regulating ZEB1 expression.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Long non-coding RNAs have been implicated in various cancers as they regulate critical cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in tumorous tissues. lncRNA-PNUTS is newly reported as an alternatively-spliced lncRNA from PNUTS pre-mRNA that promotes oncogenesis in breast cancer. However, whether LncRNA-PNUTS plays a role in other forms of cancers, such as liver cancer, remains unknown.

METHOD:

In the current study, we investigated the potential role of lncRNA-PNUTS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of lncRNA-PNUTS in tumorous tissues obtained from HCC patients were measured. The potential impacts of lncPNUTS on metastasis and invasion were investigated through gain- or loss- of function experiments in cell models of liver cancers, as well as other cellular assays such as trans-well assays and wound-healing assays.

RESULTS:

Here, we report that lncPNUTS was upregulated in human HCC tissues. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments indicated lncPNUTS promoted metastasis and invasion. In addition, ZEB1, which is involved in the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), was identified as a downstream target of lncPNUTS.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings indicated lncPNUTS promotes HCC cancer cell metastasis and invasion via targeting ZEB1 to activate the EMT pathway, suggesting that lncPNUTS is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.

• Authors: Haiyan Zhao, Chang Liu, Chongyu Zhao, Chi Che, Wuguang Liu, Yan Mei
• Journal: Tumori (Tumori) Vol. 109 Issue 1 Pg. 28-37 (Feb 2023) ISSN: 2038-2529 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 35139713 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• RNA, Long Noncoding
• MicroRNAs
• ZEB1 protein, human
• Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1

Topics

• Humans
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (pathology)
• Liver Neoplasms (pathology)
• RNA, Long Noncoding (genetics)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (genetics)
• Cell Movement (genetics)
• Cell Proliferation (genetics)
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• MicroRNAs (genetics)
• Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1 (genetics, metabolism)