miR-361-3p Regulates Liver Tumor-initiating Cells Expansion and Chemo-resistance

Increasing evidence shows that liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) closely associated with the progression, metastasis, recurrence and chemo-resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, underlying mechanism for propagation T-ICs remains unclear. Here we show miR-361-3p is upregulated in T-ICs. Knockdown impairs self-renewal tumorigenicity Conversely, forced expression enhances Mechanistically, directly targets SOX1 via binding its 3'-UTR Moreover, knockdown hepatoma are more sensitive to cisplatin or sorafenib treatment. Clinical cohort analysis demonstrates low HCC patients benefited from TACE (transcatheter arterial chemoembolization) In conclusion, our findings revealed crucial role T-IC expansion response, rendering an optimal target prevention intervention HCC.