miR-19a-3p promotes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating p53/SOX4.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential functions of miR-19a-3p in HCC. Method: We collected serum samples to analyze miR-19a-3p expression. We utilized CCK8 and Transwell assays to access miR-19a-3p's influence on HCC cells malignancy. We used dual-luciferase reporter and western blotting to validate the impact of p53/miR-19 on miR-19/SOX4. Results: The results demonstrated that miR-19a-3p was highly expressed in pre-operative serum samples and HCC cells, which can promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HCC under in vitro conditions. Additionally, there was a p53 binding site on the upstream of miR-19a-3p, which was inhibited by p53. SOX4 was the direct gene targeted by miR-19a-3p. The imbalance of p53-miR-19-SOX4 loop was one reason for the progress of HCC. Conclusion: Our findings validate the mechanisms of miR-19a-3p and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC.