LncRNA FUNDC2P4 down-regulation promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition by reducing E-cadherin expression in residual hepatocellular carcinoma after insufficient radiofrequency ablation

AbstractPurpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in residual tumours, resulting in rapid and aggressive recurrence. However, the role of EMT-related Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in residual tumour progression remains unclear.Methods: Insufficient RFA was simulated in vitro by heating Huh7 cells in water bath at 47 °C, named as Huh7-H. Cell invasion, migration assays and wound healing assay were conducted for functional analysis. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK8 assay. Differential expression profile of EMT-related lncRNAs between Huh7-H and Huh7 was analysed by LncPath human EMT array, and validated by qRT-PCR. Gain/loss-of-function assays of selected lncRNA were conducted by over-expressing or silencing its expression.Results: Huh7-H presented characteristic EMT morphological changes. WB analysis showed significantly decreased E-cadherin in Huh7-H cells. Transwell assays indicated the abilities ...