Abstract
Meox1 is aberrantly expressed in several malignancies, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Meox1 on HCC cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle distribution were assessed by CCK-8, clonogenic, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting. Meox1 silencing significantly inhibited proliferation, clonogenic capacity, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction in G1-phase cells with a marked accumulation in the G2 phase following Meox1 knockdown. Western blot analysis revealed that suppression of Meox1 reduced p21CIP1/WAF1 expression. Meox1 contributest to HCC progression and may represent a potential therapeutic target.