Conclusions
Taken together, we demonstrated PTPRG-AS1 may serve as a ceRNA and reversely regulates the expression of miR-199a-3p, thus facilitating HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis, which is expected to provide new clues for the treatment of HCC.
Methods
PTPRG-AS1 relative expression in tissues and cells was detected and analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Subcellular distribution of PTPRG-AS1 was examined by FISH experiments. The effects of PTPRG-AS1 in the growth of HCC were studied by in vitro CCK-8 experiments, transwell invasion experiments, and in vivo xenograft tumor experiments. Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between PTPRG-AS1 and miR-199a-3p or miR-199a-3p and its target gene, YWHAG.
Results
PTPRG-AS1 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. We identified PTPRG-AS1 mainly localized in the cytoplasm of HCC cells. Downregulation of PTPRG-AS1 suppressed HCC progression, while overexpression of PTPRG-AS1 showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, PTPRG-AS1 served as a miR-199a-3p sponge and positively regulated YWHAG expression. Besides, PTPRG-AS1 could promote HCC through miR-199a-3p/YWHAG axis. Conclusions: Taken together, we demonstrated PTPRG-AS1 may serve as a ceRNA and reversely regulates the expression of miR-199a-3p, thus facilitating HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis, which is expected to provide new clues for the treatment of HCC.