LAUSR

ABSTRACT miRNAs regulate gene expression and enable clinicians to distinguish between benign and malignant tissues in cancers. PH domain leucine‐rich repeat‐containing protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) is known to be a tumour suppressor. A lentiviral overexpression system was used to stably express miR‐190, leading to the enhancement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) proliferation and metastasis as a result of inhibited PHLPP1 expression. The results showed that stable miR‐190 expression increased the expression of EMT‐related proteins (Snail and TCF8/ZEB1) as well as the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1). However, restoring PHLPP1 expression counteracted the effects of miR‐190 on HCC proliferation, migration and invasion. The results of the animal experiments showed that miR‐190 improved the HepG2 cell tumour formation and lung metastasis ability. Stable miR‐190 overexpression leads to the downregulation of PHLPP1 protein expression. miR‐190 has potential as a target in the treatment and diagnosis of HCC. Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available. HighlightsmiR‐190 enhances the proliferation and metastasis of HCC.miR‐190 specifically inhibits PHLPP1 expression.miR‐190 may serve as a potential target and marker for HCC treatment.