MALAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate SMAD5 expression by acting as a sponge for miR-142-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNAs are involved in the pathology of various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is increased in numerous types of tumors and is involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. MALAT1 level was reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, but its roles and the specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear.