MicroRNA-1271 functions as a metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitor in human HCC by targeting the PTP4A1/c-Src axis

Emerging role of MicroRNA-Based theranostics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with its high mortality and short survival rate, continues to be one of the deadliest malignancies despite relentless efforts and several technological advances. The poor prognosis of HCC and the few available treatments are to blame for the low survival rate, which emphasizes the importance of creating new, effective diagnostic markers and innovative therapy strategies. In-depth research is being done on the potent biomarker miRNAs, a special class of non-coding RNA and has shown encouraging results in the early identification and treatment of HCC in order to find more viable and successful therapeutics for the disease. It is beyond dispute that miRNAs control cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival and, depending on the genes they target, can either promote tumorigenesis or suppress it. Given the vital role miRNAs play in the biological system and their potential to serve as ground-breaking treatments for HCC, more study is required to fully examine their theranostic potential.

Long non-coding RNA USP30-AS1 aggravates the malignant progression of cervical cancer by sequestering microRNA-299-3p and thereby overexpressing PTP4A1

USP30 antisense RNA 1 (USP30-AS1) has been studied in bladder urothelial carcinoma. However, the detailed role of USP30-AS1 in cervical cancer remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study determined whether USP30-AS1 is implicated in cervical cancer malignancy, and investigated relevant molecular mechanisms. USP30-AS1 expression was measured via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Functional experiments, including the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and mouse tumour model, were performed in order to elucidate the roles of USP30-AS1. The target of USP30-AS1 was predicted using bioinformatics analysis, which was further verified via RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Herein, USP30-AS1 overexpression was detected in cervical cancer sample data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and our cohort. Patients with cervical cancer expressing high levels of USP30-AS1 exhibited shorter overall survival than those with low USP30-AS1 expression. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that USP30-AS1 interference promoted cell apoptosis; restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and hindered tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, USP30-AS1 competed for microRNA-299-3p (miR-299-3p) in cervical cancer and lowered the regulatory actions of miR-299-3p on protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA (PTP4A1), resulting in PTP4A1 overexpression. Furthermore, rescue experiments confirmed that miR-299-3p interventions or exogenous PTP4A1 could counteract the cancer-inhibiting actions of USP30-AS1 silencing on cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, the miR-299-3p/PTP4A1 axis is the downstream effector of USP30-AS1 in cervical cancer, forming the USP30-AS1/miR-299-3p/PTP4A1 pathway. This newly identified competing endogenous RNA pathway may offer a novel theoretical and experimental basis for developing promising new strategies for the targeted therapy of cervical cancer.

MicroRNA‑1271‑5p alleviates the malignant development of hepatitis B virus‑mediated liver cancer via binding to AQP5

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver-related cancer. Progress has been made on the study of microRNA (miRNA or miR) function in HBV-related liver cancer. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the role and functional mechanism of miR-1271-5p in HBV-associated liver cancer. miR-1271-5p and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression at the mRNA level were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The levels of hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA were assessed by ELISA or qPCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry or Transwell assay. The interaction of miR-1271-5p and AQP5 was predicted by TargetScan, and verified by Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The protein levels of AQP5, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were quantified by western blot analysis. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was conducted to examine the role of miR-1271-5p in vivo. miR-1271-5p was downregulated, while AQP5 was upregulated in HBV-related liver cancer cells and tissues. Overexpression of miR-1271-5p or AQP5 knockdown inhibited the levels of HBeAg, HBsAg and HBV DNA, blocked cell viability, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. AQP5 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-1271-5p, and miR-1271-5p exerted its role through targeting AQP5. Overexpression of miR-1271-5p impeded tumor growth in vivo by weakening the expression of AQP5. In conclusion, miR-1271-5p blocked the progression of HBV-induced liver cancer by competitively targeting AQP5.

Identification of Novel Autoantibodies Based on the Human Proteomic Chips and Evaluation of Their Performance in the Detection of Gastric Cancer

Autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAbs) can be used as potential biomarkers in the detection of cancer. Our study aims to identify novel TAAbs for gastric cancer (GC) based on human proteomic chips and construct a diagnostic model to distinguish GC from healthy controls (HCs) based on serum TAAbs. The human proteomic chips were used to screen the candidate TAAbs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify and validate the titer of the candidate TAAbs in the verification cohort (80 GC cases and 80 HCs) and validation cohort (192 GC cases, 128 benign gastric disease cases, and 192 HCs), respectively. Then, the diagnostic model was established by Logistic regression analysis based on OD values of candidate autoantibodies with diagnostic value. Eleven candidate TAAbs were identified, including autoantibodies against INPP5A, F8, NRAS, MFGE8, PTP4A1, RRAS2, RGS4, RHOG, SRARP, RAC1, and TMEM243 by proteomic chips. The titer of autoantibodies against INPP5A, F8, NRAS, MFGE8, PTP4A1, and RRAS2 were significantly higher in GC cases while the titer of autoantibodies against RGS4, RHOG, SRARP, RAC1, and TMEM243 showed no difference in the verification group. Next, six potential TAAbs were validated in the validation cohort. The titer of autoantibodies against F8, NRAS, MFGE8, RRAS2, and PTP4A1 was significantly higher in GC cases. Finally, an optimal prediction model with four TAAbs (anti-NRAS, anti-MFGE8, anti-PTP4A1, and anti-RRAS2) showed an optimal diagnostic performance of GC with AUC of 0.87 in the training group and 0.83 in the testing group. The proteomic chip approach is a feasible method to identify TAAbs for the detection of cancer. Moreover, the panel consisting of anti-NRAS, anti-MFGE8, anti-PTP4A1, and anti-RRAS2 may be useful to distinguish GC cases from HCs.

Long non‑coding RNA MEG3 inhibits cell migration and invasion of non‑small cell lung cancer cells by regulating the miR‑21‑5p/PTEN axis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and progression of numerous types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) on the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H1299 and PC9 cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR analysis showed that MEG3 was downregulated in NSCLC PC9 and H1299 cells. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that MEG3 sponges microRNA (miR)-21-5p; miR-21-5p was predicted to target the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) 3′-untranslated region sequence. MEG3 overexpression led to miR-21-5p suppression and PTEN upregulation in PC9 and H1299 cells, as detected by RT-qPCR. Subsequently, western blot analysis confirmed that MEG3 overexpression enhanced PTEN expression levels and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in NSCLC cells. These effects were attenuated by miR-21-5p. Dual luciferase assay supported the sponging effect of MEG3 on miR-21-5p and validated the direct interaction between miR-21-5p and PTEN. Furthermore, Transwell assay demonstrated that MEG3 overexpression had an inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion. MEG3 overexpression also mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by significantly enhancing E-cadherin and decreasing N-cadherin, Vimentin and matrix metalloprotein 9 expression levels in NSCLC cells, as indicated by western blot analysis. These changes were partially reversed by an miR-21-5p mimic. These results indicated that MEG3 acted as a tumor suppressor that inhibited NSCLC cell migration and invasion via sponging miR-21-5p, which, in turn, enhanced the expression levels of PTEN, in part via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results of the present study have suggested the potential of MEG3 as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

Huaier Extract Attenuates Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis via miR-1271 Upregulation

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is strongly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition. Huaier extract (HE) protects against kidney injury; albeit, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that HE reduces kidney injury by inhibiting ERS. In this study, using an AKI-CKD mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we evaluated the effect of HE on AKI-CKD transition. We also explored the underlying molecular mechanisms in this animal model and in the HK-2 human kidney cell line. The results showed that HE treatment improved the renal function, demonstrated by a significant decrease in serum creatinine levels after IRI. HE appreciably reduced the degree of kidney injury and fibrosis and restored the expression of the microRNA miR-1271 after IRI. Furthermore, HE reduced the expression of ERS markers glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and inhibited apoptosis in the IRI group. This in vivo effect was supported by in vitro results in which HE inhibited apoptosis and decreased the expression of CHOP and GRP78 induced by ERS. We demonstrated that CHOP is a target of miR-1271. In conclusion, HE reduces kidney injury, probably by inhibiting apoptosis and decreasing the expression of GRP78 and CHOP via miR-1271 upregulation.

miR-155 promotes proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of MCF-7 cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths among women worldwide. Increasing evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated great potential for improving the diagnosis and therapy for BC. In the present study, miRNA-155 was detected in human BC tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were used to analyze the levels of transforming growth factor β receptor type II (TGFBR2) in human BC tissues. MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated with miR-155 inhibitor and an MTT assay was performed to determine the role of miR-155 on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Subsequently, TGFBR2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated molecules were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. The direct binding of miR-155 to TGFBR2 was validated using a dual luciferase assay. Higher levels of miR-155 and lower levels of TGFBR2 were expressed in human BC tissues compared with paired normal tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-155 were associated with the tumor size, TNM stage and metastasis status of BC. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with miR-155 inhibitors resulted in reduced cell proliferation and suppressed the EMT process, characterized by upregulated expression of the epithelial markers, E-cadherin and CK18, and downregulated expression of mesenchymal markers, fibronectin and smooth muscle actin α. Transfection of a miR-155 inhibitor also resulted in increased expression of TGFBR2, and miR-155 may have regulated TGFBR2 through direct binding to the 3'untranslated region of TGFBR2 as determined using a dual-luciferase assay. Based on the results of the present study, miR-155 may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with BC.

OIP5-AS1 contributes to tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by miR-300/YY1-activated WNT pathway

Background

It has reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exerted regulatory functions by targeting specific genes through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 has been identified as a tumor-enhancer in several tumor types. Nonetheless, its molecular mechanism in HCC remains to be masked.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at exploring whether and how OIP5-AS1 exert functions in HCC.

Methods

qRT-PCR and western blot were employed for detecting gene expression. CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays were implemented to evaluate the proliferative ability of HCC cells. Caspase-3 activity and flow cytometry analyses were implemented to determine cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. RNA pull down, ChIP, RIP and luciferase reporter assays explored the interplays between molecules.

Results

YY1 was upregulated in HCC cells, and silenced YY1 restrained HCC cell proliferation in vitro and hampered tumor growth in vivo. Later, we discovered that miR-300 could regulate WNT pathway via targeting YY1. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 was identified as the sponge of miR-300 and promoted cell growth in HCC. Importantly, YY1 transcriptionally activate OIP5-AS1 in turn. Rescue experiments indicated that miR-300 inhibition or YY1 overexpression abrogated the inhibitive effect of OIP5-AS1 silencing on the malignant growth of HCC cells.

Conclusions

OIP5-AS1/miR-300/YY1 feedback loop facilitates cell growth in HCC by activating WNT pathway.

Upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by sponging miR-1271-5p and upregulating FRS2

Background

Nowadays, the important roles of long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) is being increasingly recognized. The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA ZFAS1 in LAD.

Methods

The expression and function of lncRNA ZFAS1 were assessed by RT‐qPCR, CCK‐8, transwell and dual luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 was found in LAD tissues and cells. Knockdown of lncRNA ZFAS1 restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion in LAD cells. In addition, we determined that lncRNA ZFAS1 could directly bind to miR‐1271‐5p. MiR‐1271‐5p functioned as a tumor suppressor in LAD, and lncRNA ZFAS1 promoted LAD development by downregulating miR‐1271‐5p. Furthermore, FRS2 was a direct target of miR‐1271‐5p. FRS2 promoted progression of LAD by mediating lncRNA ZFAS1/miR‐1271‐5p axis.

Conclusions

LncRNA ZFAS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in LAD by downregulating miR‐1271‐5p or upregulating FRS2.

MicroRNAs Involved in Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Target Candidates, Functionality and Efficacy in Animal Models and Prognostic Relevance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for the second-leading cancer-related death toll worldwide. Although sorafenib and levantinib as frontline therapy and regorafenib, cabazantinib and ramicurimab have now been approved for second-line therapy, the therapeutic benefit is in the range of only a few months with respect to prolongation of survival. Aggressiveness of HCC is mediated by metastasis. Intrahepatic metastases and distant metastasis to the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, omentum, adrenal gland and brain have been observed. Therefore, the identification of metastasis-related new targets and treatment modalities is of paramount importance. In this review, we focus on metastasis-related microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets for HCC. We describe miRs which mediate or repress HCC metastasis in mouse xenograft models. We discuss 18 metastasis-promoting miRs and 35 metastasis-inhibiting miRs according to the criteria as outlined. Six of the metastasis-promoting miRs (miR-29a, -219-5p, -331-3p, 425-5p, -487a and -1247-3p) are associated with unfavourable clinical prognosis. Another set of six down-regulated miRs (miR-101, -129-3p, -137, -149, -503, and -630) correlate with a worse clinical prognosis. We discuss the corresponding metastasis-related targets as well as their potential as therapeutic modalities for treatment of HCC-related metastasis. A subset of up-regulated miRs -29a, -219-5p and -425-5p and down-regulated miRs -129-3p and -630 were evaluated in orthotopic metastasis-related models which are suitable to mimic HCC-related metastasis. Those miRNAs may represent prioritized targets emerging from our survey.

microRNA-16 Via Twist1 Inhibits EMT Induced by PM2.5 Exposure in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Epidemiological study has confirmed that PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) is associated with the incidence and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accordingly, this study was undertaken to investigate the pro-metastatic effects of PM2.5 on human HCC cell line SMMC-7721 in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells; scratch wound assay and transwell matrigel system has been used to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells; furthermore, effect of PM2.5 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SMMC-7721 cells were examined by examining the EMT markers vimentin, ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), and E-cadherin; furthermore, the roles of microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 in PM2.5 induced carcinogenic effects were also examined. Results of CCK-8 assay suggested that PM2.5 promoted the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. PM2.5 also markedly promoted the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells. Moreover, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was also triggered by PM2.5. On the other hand, microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 was found to be mediated by PM2.5, and miR-16 mimic could suppress the metastatic ability of SMMC-7721 cells exposure to PM2.5 via inversely regulating the expression of Twist1. Furthermore, dual Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the specifically binding of miR-16 to the predicted 3′-UTR of Twist1. The present study confirmed the pro-proliferative and pro-metastatic effect of PM2.5 on HCC cell line SMMC-7721. The possible mechanisms were EMT process induced by PM2.5 in SMMC-7721 cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in miR-16 and increase in Twist1 expression.

miR-1271 inhibits growth, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting ZEB1 in ovarian cancer cells

Objective

MicroRNA-1271 (miR-1271) has a role in suppressing cell growth, cell cycle and promoting cell apoptosis in many cancers. This research was to explore the great role of miR-1271 in ovarian cancer (OC).

Patients and Methods

RT-qPCR was utilized to evaluate the mRNA levels of miR-1271 and its target gene. The proliferative and invasive abilities were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays. The overall survival rate of OC patients was assessed by Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

miR-1271 was downregulated in OC tissues, and downregulation of miR-1271 predicted a poor outcome of the OC patients. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was a target gene of miR-1271 and its expression was regulated by miR-1271 in OC. The expression of miR-1271 had a negative connection with the expression of ZEB1 in OC tissues. miR-1271 inhibited cell viability and invasion-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SKOV3 cells. ZEB1 reversed partial roles of miR-1271 on viability and invasion in OC.

Conclusion

miR-1271 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion-mediated EMT in OC. The newly identified miR-1271/ZEB1 axis provides novel insight into the pathogenesis of OC.

Serum starvation induces cell death in NSCLC via miR-224

Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, we used serum-starved A549 cells emulating tumor under a nutrient depletion stress in the microenvironment.

Patients and methods: We first detected the expression level of miR-224 between tumor tissues and the adjacent normal tissues. We analyzed the expression levels of miR-224 and its predicted target phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in starved A549 cells. Following transfection with miR-224 mimic or inhibitor in starved A549 cells, MTT assay, Annexin V FITC/PI staining, and LC-3 immunofluorence staining were performed to investigate the roles of miR-224 on proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Next, the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax and Bcl-2, autophagy-related proteins LC3, PI3K signaling, and target PTEN were measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. The direct interaction between miR-224 and PTEN was validated with a dual luciferase assay.

Results: We found that the expression level of miR-224 in tumor tissues was significantly higher when compared with the adjacent normal tissues. We discovered a reciprocal expression pattern between miR-224 and PTEN in starved A549 cells, and transfection with miR-224 mimic led to down-regulation of PTEN. A dual luciferase assay further confirmed the direct interaction between miR-224 and 3ʹUTR of PTEN. Transfection with miR-224 mimic in starved A549 cells resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and autophagy, accompanied by increased expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, decreased expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and autophagy-related protein LC3. Activation of PI3K was observed in miR-224 mimic transfected cells. The reverse effects by the miR-224 inhibitor in all experiments were observed.

Conclusion: Taken together, we proved that miR-224 might play essential roles in cellular functions of nutrient-depleted A549 cells possibly through regulating the target PTEN and downstream signal PI3K, suggesting the potential of miR-224 to be a therapeutic target for NSCLC therapy.

Estrogen receptor-α-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop regulates transforming growth factor-β-induced breast cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and approximately 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and express estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or/and progesterone receptor. ERα has been identified to promote the growth of primary breast cancer, however, it can also antagonize signaling pathways that lead to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. miRNA alteration or dysfunction is involved in cancer development and progression. Although miR-1271 has identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, the role of miR-1271 in breast cancer is still limited.

METHODS

The effect of miR-1271 on breast cancer progression was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The EMT-related protein expression levels and localization were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the regulation of ERα-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop.

RESULTS

miR-1271 suppresses breast cancer progression and EMT phenotype both in vitro and in vivo by targeting SNAI2. Estrogen reverses TGF-β-induced EMT in a miR-1271 dependent manner. Furthermore, ERα transactivates the miR-1271 expression and is also transcriptionally repressed by SNAI2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data uncover the ERα-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop and provide a mechanism to explain the TGF-β network in breast cancer progression.

Exploring the cause of the inhibitor 4AX attaching to binding site disrupting protein tyrosine phosphatase 4A1 trimerization by molecular dynamic simulation

Ectopic overexpression of protein tyrosine phosphatase of liver regeneration-1 (PTP4A1, also called PRL-1) markedly enhanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells migration and invasion. The PTP4A1 trimerization played a vital role in mediating cell proliferation and motility. Biochemical and structural studies have proved that the compound 4AX, a well-known inhibitor for PRL1, directly binds to the PTP4A1 trimer interface and obstructs trimer formation of PTP4A1. However, the molecular basis of the ligand-4AX inhibition on PTP4A1 trimer conformations remains unclear. In this study, the docking analysis and the molecular dynamics simulation (MD simulation) study were performed to investigate how the molecule binding at each interface disrupted the trimer formation. The results suggested that the ligand-4AX attaching to the binding site changed the conformation of A:Q131, A:Q135 in the AC interface, C:R18, C:P96 in the CA interface and B:Q131 in the BA interface, leading to the weak interactions between subunits and thus resulting in the disruption of the PTP4A1 trimerization.

MicroRNA-552 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by downregulating WIF1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR-552 was upregulated in HCC tissues. High miR-552 expression was associated with malignant clinicopathological features and decreased survival rates. The in vitro results indicated that miR-552 overexpression promoted migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in Hep3B cells. However, the knockdown of miR-552 inhibited its oncogenic roles in Huh-7 cells. Additionally, Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) was demonstrated to be a direct target of miR-552 in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells. Additional experiments identified that miR-552 promotes β-catenin expression by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9. In conclusion, the results suggested that miR-552 may promote HCC progression by blocking WIF1-mediated GSK3β dephosphorylation. miR-552 may be a biomarker for predicting the outcomes of patients with HCC.