ST8SIA6-AS1 promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through miR-338-3p/NONO Axis

Dig Liver Dis. 2021 Sep;53(9):1192-1200. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.02.012. Epub 2021 Mar 12.

Abstract

Background: Increasing studies have shown a vital fact that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a considerable regulatory role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, whether ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide alpha-2, 8-sialyltransferase 6 antisense RNA 1 (ST8SIA6-AS1) affects the development of HCC is unclear.

Methods: The target genes in HCC cell lines were quantified via utilzing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and western blot. Effects of ST8SIA6-AS1 on proliferative, apoptosis and migratory ability of HCC cells were proved by a series of function experiments. The cellular distribution of ST8SIA6-AS1 was examined through fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assay and subcellular fractionation experiments. RNA pulldown assay was implemented to explore the target of ST8SIA6-AS1. RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify the specific relationships between miR-338-3p and ST8SIA6-AS1/ non-POU domain containing octamer binding (NONO).

Results: The expression of ST8SIA6-AS1 was apparently elevated in HCC cell. Silenced ST8SIA6-AS1 reduced proliferative, migratory and invasive ability of HCC cells. Moreover, ST8SIA6-AS1 targeted miR-338-3p to modulate the expression of NONO in HCC cells.

Conclusions: ST8SIA6-AS1 enhances the progression of HCC via miR-338-3p/NONO axis in vitro.

Keywords: HCC; NONO; ST8SIA6-AS1; miR-338-3p.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sialyltransferases / metabolism*

Substances

  • MIRN338 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Sialyltransferases
  • ST8SIA6 protein, human