Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) affect the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact function and mechanism of miR-1254 in HCC remains unclear. This study explored the effects of miR-1254 on the biological behavior of HCC cells and determined the underlying mechanism. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-1254. Gain- or loss-of-function assays determined if miR-1254 affected the biological function of HCC cells in vitro. Dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed the target gene of miR-1254. Tumor xenografts in mice were used to explore the effects of miR-1254 on tumorigenesis and metastasis of HCC. miR-1254 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines and linked to larger tumor size, aggressive vascular invasion and higher Edmondson grade. Lentiviral-based overexpression and knockdown experiments indicated that miR-1254 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells. The paired box gene 5 (PAX5) was downregulated in HCC tissues, negatively correlated with miR-1254 expression, and confirmed to be a direct target of miR-1254. Restoration of PAX5 reversed the effects of miR-1254 on the biological behavior of HCC cells. Advanced mechanism studies suggested that PAX5 might mediate miR-1254 by regulating the Hippo signaling pathway. Tumor xenografts in mice confirmed that miR-1254 promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis, and led to poor survival. In conclusion, miR-1254 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells via decreasing Hippo signaling through targeting PAX5 in vitro and in vivo. This miRNA might be a therapeutic target for HCC.
Keywords: HCC; Hippo signaling pathway; Metastasis; PAX5; Progression; miR-1254.
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