KDM4A-AS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion via the miR-4306/STX6 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: As a primary liver malignancy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly induced by chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that long noncoding RNA KDM4A antisense RNA 1 (KDM4A-AS1) may be aberrantly expressed in HCC and its abnormal expression might influence prognosis in patients. Objective: To illustrate the functions and mechanism of KDM4A-AS1 in regulating HCC malignant cell behavior. Methods: KDM4A-AS1, microRNA (miR)-4306 and messenger RNA syntaxin 6 (STX6) expression was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by colony forming assays, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays. The interaction between genes was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Western blotting was performed to quantify protein expression of STX6 or apoptotic markers. Results: KDM4A-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC cells and tissues. KDM4A-AS1 knockdown led to enhanced HCC cell apoptosis and suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MiR-4306 bound to and negatively regulated STX6. KDM4A-AS1 directly bound to miR-4306 and thus upregulated STX6. STX6 overexpression reversed the inhibitory influence of KDM4A-AS1 depletion on HCC malignant behavior. Conclusions: KDM4A-AS1 promotes HCC cell migration, invasion, and growth by upregulating STX6 via miR-4306.