LncRNA UCA1 Affects the Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Apoptosis of Hepatic Carcinoma Cells by Targeting MicroRNA-193a-3p

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Hepatic carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth lethal cancer in the world, but its relationship with lncRNA urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1)/microRNA-193a-3p axis remains unclear, so this study would explore the relationship. METHODS: A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was carried out to quantify lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p in HCC tissues and cells, and relevant overexpression or inhibition vectors were constructed to analyze the influences of lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p on HCC cells. A Transwell assay was used to measure invasion and migration of HCC cells, and a Western blot assay to quantify protein biomarkers of apoptosis, invasion, and migration, a MTT assay to determine cell viability, a flow cytometry to detect cell cycle, and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay to analyze the correlation between lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p. RESULTS: LncRNA UCA1 was increased in HCC, while microRNA-193a-3p was decreased. Down-regulated lncRNA UCA1 could up-regulate microRNA-193a-3p, and down-regulated lncRNA UCA1 or up-regulated microRNA-193a-3p would strengthen cell apoptosis and weaken cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Furthermore, lncRNA UCA1 could negatively regulate microRNA-193a-3p by binding to it. CONCLUSION: LncRNA UCA1 promotes malignant hyperproliferation of HCC cells by repressing microRNA-193a-3p.