MiR-107 suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cells through targeting HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR

Abstract

Background and aimAberrant expression of miR-107 is involved in the development of several human cancers. However, the role of miR-107 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well documented. In the present study, we aim to explore the function of miR-107 in hepatocarcinogenesis. MethodsBioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the target genes of miR-107. Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the miR-107 binding sites in 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) mRNA. The expression levels of mRNA and protein were examined using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Functionally, MTT and EdU assays were carried out for proliferation analysis. Clinically, thirty HCC samples and their corresponding peritumor liver tissues were collected. ResultsBioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-107 might target HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR. Luciferase reporter gene assays verified that the miR-107 binding site was located in the 3′UTR of HMGA2 mRNA. Furthermore, miR-107 could down-regulate HMGA2 at the levels of mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, miR-107 inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells, while anti-miR-107 could promote the cell proliferation, which was blocked by the interference of HMGA2. Clinically, miR-107 was lower in HCC samples relative to peritumor liver tissues. The expression levels of miR-107 were negatively correlated with those of HMGA2 mRNA in HCC samples. ConclusionMiR-107 suppresses the proliferation of hepatoma cells by targeting HMGA2 mRNA. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis.