MicroRNA-1205 Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation via a CSNK2B/CDK4 Axis

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via modulating expression of their targeting mRNAs. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-1205 in HCC cell proliferation and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: The effects of miR-1205 on proliferation ability of HCC cell lines were explored in vitro and in vivo. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis was performed to determine miR-1205 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines. Online prediction tools and luciferase assays were used to identify potential target genes of miR-1205. Western blot analysis and dual-luciferase assays were conducted to screen key signaling pathway proteins regulated by miR-1205 and its’ target gene. Results: In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-1205 inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells. Dual-luciferase assays showed that miR-1205 interacted with CSNK2B by directly targeting the miRNA-binding site in the CSNK2B sequence, and further qPCR analysis indicated that CSNK2B expression was increased in HCC tissues and negatively correlated with miR-1205 expression. Furthermore, CSNK2B significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation, and CSNK2B overexpression or knockdown attenuated the effects of miR-1205 overexpression or inhibition on HCC cell viability, respectively. Mechanistically, miR-1205 suppresses HCC cell proliferation via a CSNK2B/CDK4 axis. Conclusion: The present results indicated that miR-1205 suppressed HCC cell proliferation by directly targeting CSNK2B and thus inhibiting the CDK4/pRb cell cycle pathway.