Lnc524369 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and predicts poor survival by activating YWHAZ-RAF1 signaling

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of the most highly malignant cancers, characterized by easy metastasis and chemoradiotherapy resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), including Lnc524369, are highly involved in the initiation, progression, radioresistance, and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the function of Lnc524369 remains unclear. AIM To explore the function of Lnc524369 in HCC. METHODS To investigate the effect of Lnc524369, tissue from 41 HCC patients were analyzed using CCK8, migration, and invasion assays. Lnc524369 and YWHAZ (also named 14-3-3 zeta) mRNA were detected by qPCR, and YWHAZ and RAF1 proteins were detected by western blot in liver cancer cell lines and human HCC tissues. The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases, STRING database, Human Protein Atlas database, and the TCGA database were used for bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS Lnc524369 was significantly upregulated in the nucleus of liver cancer cells and human HCC tissues. Overexpression of Lnc524369 was associated with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells. YWHAZ and RAF1 proteins and YWHAZ mRNA were overexpressed in liver cancer, which could be attenuated by overexpression of Lnc524369. Lnc524369 and its downstream target YWHAZ and RAF1 proteins were negatively associated with overall survival time. CONCLUSION Lnc524369 might be a promising target of HCC as it can enhance liver cancer progression and decrease the overall survival time of HCC by activating the YWHAZ/RAF1 pathway.

Automated summary

Lnc524369 is significantly upregulated in liver cancer cells and human HCC tissues, and its overexpression is associated with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells. YWHAZ and RAF1 proteins, as well as YWHAZ mRNA, are overexpressed in liver cancer, and their overexpression can be attenuated by Lnc524369 overexpression. Lnc524369 and its downstream target YWHAZ and RAF1 are negatively associated with overall survival time.