LncRNA UCID Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Stabilization of Snail

BACKGROUND: LncRNAs are functional regulators in tumor progression which act by regulating mRNAs in multiple types of cancer. However, the effect of lnc-UCID on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasisremains unclear. METHODS: Lnc-UCID expression was quantified in HCC tissues and HCC cell lines by qRT-PCR. HCC cell lines with lnc-UCID knockdown were established by lentivirus transduction. The migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells were analyzed by Transwell and wound-healing assays. Protein expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors was examined by Western blot assay. Dual-luciferase assays and actinomycin D treatment were conducted to explore the relationship between lnc-UCID and Snail mRNA. The direct interaction between lnc-UCID and Snail mRNA was subjected to quantification analysis by biotinylated lnc-UCID pulldown assays. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze correlations between lnc-UCID and Snail expression level in clinical samples. Rescue experiments were performed to uncover the role of Snail in the HCC metastasis process. RESULTS: Lnc-UCID was upregulated in human HCC tissues and HCC cell lines. Lnc-UCID promoted the cells’ mobility and invasiveness by enhancing the EMT process of HCC cells. The expression of Snail positively correlated with lnc-UCID abundance, and the interaction between lnc-UCID and Snail mRNA prevented miR-122, miR-203, miR-30b, miR-34a or miR-153 binding to the 3ʹ-UTR of Snail. Transfection of Snail greatly rescued the migration and invasion of HCC cells. CONCLUSION: Lnc-UCID was upregulated in clinical HCC samples and directly interacted with Snail mRNA to enhance the stability of Snail mRNA, thus promoting the EMT process to accelerate HCC metastasis.