Objective  To explore the effect of microRNA-124 (miR-124)/caveolin-1 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

  Methods  The expression levels of miR-124 and caveolin-1 were evaluated in HCC tissues, adjacent tissues, and cell lines by qRTPCR. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the relationship between microRNA-124 and caveolin-1. MicroRNA-124 mediated caveolin-1 levels, which was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells.

  Results  A low level of miR-124 together with a high level of caveolin-1 was found in HCC tissues and MHCC97H cells compared with control cells. Caveolin-1 was determined to be the target gene of miR-124, and alterations of miR-124 could modulate caveolin-1. Cells transfected with a miR-124 mimic in MHCC97H cells inhibited proliferation and invasion, whereas upregulation of caveolin-1 promoted proliferation and invasion. MHCC97L cells transfected with a miR-124 inhibitor showed increased proliferation and invasion, whereas cells transfected with siCaveolin-1 showed decreased proliferation and invasion. Patients with HCC with higher miR-124 and lower caveolin-1 levels lived longer than patients with lower miR-124 and higher caveolin-1 levels.

  Conclusion  MiR-124 mediated the proliferation and invasion of HCC by targeting caveolin-1.