MiR-1179 represses cell proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma through suppression of NUAK2

Objective: To investigate the function and mechanism of miR-1179 in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The levels of miR-1179 and NUAK2 in clinical tissues or cell lines were examined using quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU assay, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell assays and flow cytometry assays were conducted to examine the impact of miR-1179 on HCC cells. The protein expression of NUAK2 was detected using Western blotting assay. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to reveal the association of miR-1179 with NUAK2. Results: MiR-1179 expression was significantly downregulated in HCC specimens and cell lines compared to normal samples and cells. The miR-1179 overexpression inhibited HCC cell migration, invasion and proliferation through targeting NUAK2. Overexpression of NUAK2 can reverse the effect of miR-1179 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Conclusion: miR-1179 suppresses HCC developmen through targeting NUAK2. Which can be used as a potent HCC diagnostic marker.