Let-7i-5p enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC by targeting HABP4

• Main Authors: Yujie Liu, Xing Hu, Liang Hu, Changjing Xu, Xuemei Liang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-03-01
• Series: BMC Urology
• Subjects: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma; Let-7i-5p; HABP4; Cell proliferation; Cell migration; Cell invasion
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-021-00820-9

Abstract Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the best-characterized and most pervasive renal cancers. The present study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of let-7i-5p in ccRCC cells. Methods Using bioinformatics analyses, we investigated the expression of let-7i-5p in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and predicted biological functions and possible target genes of let-7i-5p in ccRCC cells. Cell proliferation assay, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were conducted to characterize the effects of let-7i-5p in ccRCC cells. To verify the interactions between let-7i-5p and HABP4, dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were conducted. Rescue experiments were used to investigate the relationship between let-7i-5p and HABP4. Results TCGA data analysis revealed that ccRCC tissues had significantly increased let-7i-5p expression, which was robustly associated with poor overall survival. Further verification showed that ccRCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited by let-7i-5p inhibitor but enhanced by let-7i-5p mimics. Subsequently, HABP4 was predicted to be the target gene of let-7i-5p. TCGA data showed that ccRCC tissues had decreased expression of HABP4 and that HABP4 expression was negatively correlated with let-7i-5p. Further verification showed that downregulation of HABP4 expression promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that the let-7i-5p/HABP4 axis was responsible for the development of ccRCC. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that let-7i-5p functions as a tumor promoter in ccRCC and facilitates cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting HABP4. These results clarify the pathogenesis of ccRCC and offer a potential target for its treatment.