Peptide CCAT1-70aa promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion via the MAPK/ERK pathway

Objective Peptide-encoding roles of lncRNAs are emerging in cancer biology. This study explores the function of the CCAT1-70aa peptide in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CCAT1-70aa expression in HCC and adjacent tissues. An expression vector verified CCAT1’s role in encoding CCAT1-70aa. Cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays assessed the effects of CCAT1-70aa on HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting CCAT1 were transfected into HCC cells to examine CCAT1-70aa expression. The role of the MAPK/ERK pathway was confirmed via Western blot and the ERK inhibitor FR180204. Results CCAT1-70aa was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues, correlating with tumor stage, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, and vascular invasion. siRNA-mediated CCAT1 silencing reduced CCAT1-70aa expression, supporting that CCAT1-70aa is translated from lncRNA CCAT1. CCAT1-70aa, a 70-amino acid peptide, enhanced proliferation and invasion, activating the MAPK/ERK pathway, with its effects mitigated by ERK inhibition. Conclusion The CCAT1-70aa peptide is overexpressed in HCC and linked to aggressive tumor characteristics. It promotes proliferation and invasion via the MAPK/ERK pathway, providing insights for HCC diagnosis and treatment strategies.