LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-6838-5p and activation of PTPN4

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been demonstrated to have significant roles in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, we sought to determine LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1's function and mechanism in the emergence of HCC. Results: First, we discovered that the advanced tumor stage was strongly correlated with high levels of LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1 expression in HCC. MiR-6838-5p expression was down-regulated and inversely correlated with SH3BP5-AS1 expression. Additionally, overexpression of SH3BP5-AS1 boosted cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. The oncogenic effects of the inhibitor of miR-6838-5p were eliminated when PTPN4 was suppressed, following the identification of PTPN4 as a direct target of miR-6838-5p. In addition, SH3BP5-AS1 promoted cellular glycolysis via miR-6838-5p sponging and PTPN4 activation. Lastly, by directly interacting to the promoter of SH3BP5-AS1, HIF-1 alpha could control the transcription of the gene. Conclusions: Our research suggests that SH3BP5-AS1 controls miR-6838-5p/PTPN4 in order to act as a new carcinogenic LncRNA during the growth of HCC cells. Methods: The expression levels of SH3BP5-AS1, miR-6838-5p and PTPN4 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1/miR-6838-5p/PTPN4 on the proliferation, metastasis and glycolysis of HCC cells were clarified by experimental cellular functionality assays, cell derived xenograft and Glycolysis assay.