MicroRNA-34b-5p increases chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Increasing evidence shows that microRNA (miR) is related to drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). miR-34b-5p could retard tumor development, but its function in HCC is still unclear.

miR-34b-5p expression was determined in HCC tissues and cell lines. Analysis and verification of the binding between miR-34b-5p and metadherin (MTDH) was carried out. The actual action of miR-34b-5p and MTDH in the area of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of cisplatin (DDP)-resistant HCC cells was monitored.

miR-34b-5p was downregulated in HCC. Overexpression of miR-34b-5p enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to DDP, inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoting apoptosis. MTDH was the direct target of miR-34b-5p. MTDH was upregulated in HCC tissues, which was negatively correlated with miR-34b-5p expression. Enhancement of MTDH can reverse the effect of upregulated miR-34b-5p on the chemosensitivity of HCC cells.

miR-34b-5p targets MTDH and enhances the chemosensitivity of HCC cells.