MiRNA-338-3p influences the liver cancer stem cells and lenvatinib resistance properties by targeting SOX4.

ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical players in the pathogenesis of human-associated cancers. It is well established that the stemness of CSCs is modulated by microRNA (miRNA). In the current study, the miR-338-3p deficiency increased self-renewal and tumor malignancy in hepatic CSCs. Nevertheless, miR-338-3p overexpression suppresses tumorigenesis and self-renewal in liver CSCs. Mechanistically, miR-338-3p specifically targets SOX4 in liver CSCs. Moreover, miR-338-3p-associated downregulation of SOX4 prevents tumorigenesis and self-renewal in the CSCs of the liver. The miR-338-3p overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells was responsive to lenvatinib-induced apoptosis and cell progression inhibition. Patients' cohort shows that miR-338-3p may predict Lenvatinib benefits in HC

SUBMITTER: Yuan Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12274585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature