TPRG1‐AS1 induces RBM24 expression and inhibits liver cancer progression by sponging miR‐4691‐5p and miR‐3659

Background & Aims Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Here, by performing RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) profiling, we sought to identify novel ncRNAs that potentially drive the heterogeneous progression of liver cancers. Methods RNA‐Seq profiles were obtained from 68 HCC specimens and 10 samples of adjacent non‐tumour liver tissues. The functional significance of the potential driver ncRNAs was evaluated by cell experiments. Results TPRG1‐AS1 was identified as a potential driver noncoding RNA that promotes heterogeneous liver cancer progression. TPRG1‐AS1 induced tumour suppressor RNA‐binding motif protein 24 (RBM24), suppressing tumour growth by activating apoptotic tumour cell death. In addition, we report that TPRG1‐AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for RBM24, sponging miR‐4691‐5p and miR‐3659 to interfere with their binding to RBM24. Conclusions We suggest that TPRG1‐AS1 is a novel ceRNA sponging miR‐4691‐5p and miR‐3659, resulting in RBM24 expression and suppression of liver cancer growth. Our results provide new insights into the functions of ncRNAs in heterogeneous HCC progression.