sh-HNF1A-AS1 reduces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness of esophageal cancer cells

Neoplasma. 2022 May;69(3):560-570. doi: 10.4149/neo_2022_211102N1555. Epub 2022 Feb 22.

Abstract

HNF1A-AS1 is a cancer-related lncRNA. Elevated expression of HNF1A-AS1 has been observed in various malignancies including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the role of HNF1A-AS1 in ESCC has not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of HNF1A-AS1 in ESCC. Expression of HNF1A-AS1, miRNA (miR)-298, and transcription factor 4 (TCF4) was detected using qRT-PCR. The interactions between HNF1A-AS1 and miR-298 or miR-298 and TCF4 were evaluated. Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were used to knock down HNF1A-AS1 (sh-HNF1A-AS1). The EMT and stemness of ESCC cells were detected. HNF1A-AS1 was overexpressed in ESCC tumor tissues and cells. miR-298 was validated as a direct target of HNF1A-AS1. sh-HNF1A-AS1 significantly inhibited EMT and stemness of ESCC cells. The high expression of miR-298 significantly inhibited the expression of TCF4, and further inhibited the expression of N-cadherin and stemness-related genes. Animal experiments showed that sh-HNF1A-AS1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and increased the level of miR-298 in tissues. In conclusion, knockdown of HNF1A-AS1 could inhibit EMT and stemness by regulating the miR-298/TCF4 axis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / metabolism

Substances

  • MIRN298 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • long non-coding RNA HNF1A-AS1, human