miR-376a suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

► miR-376a was found frequently down-regulated in HCC cell lines and tissues. ► Over-expression of miR-376a in Huh7 cells inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. ► p85α (PIK3R1) was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-376a in Huh7 cells. ► Down-regulation of miR-376a may contribute to the development of HCC by targeting p85α.