MicroRNA-429 Modulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Tumorigenesis

Abstract

MicroRNA-429 (miR-429) may modify the development and progression of cancers; however, the role of this microRNA in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well elaborated. Here, we tested miR-429 expression in 138 pathology-diagnosed HCC cases and SMMC-7721 cells. We found that miR-429 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues and that the high expression of miR-429 was significantly correlated with larger tumor size (odd ratio (OR), 2.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–5.56) and higher aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.47–6.67). Furthermore, this microRNA overexpression modified the recurrence-free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. Functionally, miR-429 overexpression progressed tumor cells proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. These results indicate for the first time that miR-429 may modify HCC prognosis and tumorigenesis and may be a potential tumor therapeutic target.

Prognostic significance of miR-1268a expression and its beneficial effects for post-operative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…The exclusion criteria included: a. cases with HCC but not confirmed by histopathological examination; b. cases with history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment before surgical operative treatment; and c. cases rejected, dropped out, or lost information. According to aforementioned inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 411 HCC cases (representing 98.5% of eligible cases), including 157 patients previously studied111221, were included for the present study from January 2006 to December 2009.…”

“…Among these treatments, the transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is reported to be an effective treatment for advanced-stage HCC patients, especially for those cases with 3- to 5-cm tumors56. However, increasing evidence has shown that TACE treatment may display different therapeutic effects on HCC patients with different genetic profiles789101112. Furthermore, the long-term survival outcomes of patients managed with TACE do not appear fully satisfactory131415.…”

“…Through regulating gene expression, they functionally involve in not only cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, but also metabolism, physiological timing, and hormone secretion16181920. Until now, more than 2000 microRNAs have been identified; parts of them (such as microRNA −624, microRNA −24, microRNA-101, and so on) have shown to be able to act as valuable prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets for HCC111819202122. Among these microRNAs, microRNA-1268a (miR-1268a), which is an important abundant microRNA encoded by MIR1268A gene and functionally involves in embryogenesis and cell differentiation23, is particular concern in our research projects.…”

Epigenetic alterations induced by genotoxic occupational and environmental human chemical carcinogens: A systematic literature review

“…Up-regulation of miR-429, which inhibits apoptosis and induces progression of tumor cell growth, was observed in human liver tumors in HCC patients that were confirmed to be exposed to AFB1, and was significantly correlated with high levels of AFB1-DNA adducts [102]. The same research group found that miR-24, which has been reported to be an “oncomir” [103], was upregulated in liver tumors from patients who resided in regions with high AFB1 exposure [104].…”

Micro RNA‐4651 Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Prognosis When Selecting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients for Postoperative Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy

“…To date, more than 1,800 microRNAs have been identified in the mammalian genome (miRDatabase). Some of them, such as microRNA‐629, microRNA‐1268a, and microRNA‐24, have been reported to have early diagnostic and prognostic potential for hepatocellular carcinoma . Our previous studies have shown that a higher serum level of microRNA‐4651, a short‐strand RNA encoded by the microRNA‐4651 gene (located at the 75915197th to 75915269th base of chr7), is found in patients with aflatoxin B1‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma .…”