Alkannin inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulation of miR-92a

Abstract Background/aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of alkannin on HCC cells growth, migration and invasion. Methods Huh7 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells were treated with alkannin. Expression of miR-92a in cell was altered by transfection with miR-92a-mimic (miR-92a-M) or miR-92a-inhibitor (miR-92a-I). Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, BrdU assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The expression of miR-92a was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of proteins associated with proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis was measured by Western blot. Results Alkannin decreased cell viability and proliferation, executed cell apoptosis, and inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells. Alkannin negatively regulated the expression of miR-92a, and transfection with miR-92a-M impeded alkannin’s anti-tumor functions. PTEN and TP53INP1 were found to be target genes of miR-92a. Alkannin inhibited PTEN-dependent PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, the biological effects of miR-92a-I in alkannin treated cells were eliminated by PTEN silencing. Conclusion Alkannin exerted anti-tumor activities by downregulation of miR-92a. This process might be executed by inactivating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signal pathways through the binding effects of miR-92a on PTEN.