HCC control by lycorine-based restraining of the MiR-224-5p/COLEC10 axis

Lycorine (LYC), as a natural alkaloid, possesses various significant biological activities. This study aims to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of LYC on the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of miR-224-5p, collectin subfamily member 10 (COLEC10) and inflammatory factors were quantified by RT-qPCR. The levels of COLEC10 and EMT relevant proteins were identified by Western blotting. Effects of LYC on the biological behaviors of HCC cells were assessed. The Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-224-5p and COLEC10. Additionally, A subcutaneous xenograft model of HCC was created in nude mice. HCC tissues and cells exhibited elevated level of miR-224-5p, while COLEC10 was lower. Overexpression miR-224-5p enhanced HCC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and inflammatory response, while suppressed apoptosis. Moreover, miR-224-5p targeted the expression of COLEC10 negatively. COLEC10 silenced could offset the suppression of HCC advancement induced by silenced miR-224-5p. While LYC down regulated miR-224-5p level and inhibited the HCC malignant progression. In conclusion, LYC can down regulate the levels of miR-224-5p, upregulate the levels of COLEC10 and thus inhibit the malignant progression of HCC.