MiR-144-3p regulates invasion and proliferation activity in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SLITRK4

Background : miR-144-3p exerts inhibitory roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This paper aims to explore that miR-144-3p and its predictive target gene, SLIT- and NTRK-like family member 4 (SLITRK4), in HCC progression. Materials and Methods: The levels of SLITRK4 and miR-144-3p were determined by western blot and qPCR. A loss- and gain -of -function test was used to test whether the relationship between miR144-3p and SlitrK4 affected the growth of HCC cells. StarBase examined the miR-1443p target prediction using SLITRK4. Through the use of a luciferase reporter experiment, miR-144-3p's targeting SLITRK4 was identified. The salvage experiment confirmed that miR-144-3p interacts SLITRK4 to regulate the progression of HCC. Results: Findings showned that the expression of miR-144-3p decreased in HCC tissue and cells. MiR-144-3p inhibits deterioration progression of HCC cell progression. MiR-144-3p targeted SLITRK4 and negatively modulated SLITRK4 levels. Besides, miR-144-3p upregulation decreased HCC migration and invasion activity, while SLITRK4 overexpression reduced this inhibition effects. Conclusions: MiR-144-3p regulates invasion and proliferation activity in HCC by targeting SLITRK4. MiR-144-3P/ SLITRK4 axis might provide a potential anti -cancer therapy pathway for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in hepatoma.