miR-96 Regulates Liver Tumor-Initiating Cells Expansion and Sorafenib Resistance

Abstract Background Liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) contribute to tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism for the propagation of liver T-ICs remains unclear. Methods Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-96 in liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs). The impact of miR-96 on liver T-ICs expansion was investigated both in vivo and in vitro . The correlation between miR-96 expression and sorafenib benefits in HCC was further evaluated in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Results Our finding shows that miR-96 is upregulated in liver T-ICs. Functional studies revealed that forced miR-96 promotes liver T-ICs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Conversely, knockdown miR-96 inhibits liver T-ICs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, miR-96 downregulates SOX6 via its mRNA 3’UTR in liver T-ICs. Furthermore, the miR-96 expression determines the responses of hepatoma cells to sorafenib treatment. Analysis of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further demonstrated that the miR-96 may predict sorafenib benefits in HCC patients. Conclusion Our findings revealed the crucial role of the miR-96 in liver T-ICs expansion and sorafenib response, rendering miR-96 as an optimal target for the prevention and intervention of HCC.