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Epigenetics of hepatocellular carcinoma: role of microRNA

Sharad Khare1, Qiong Zhang, Jamal A Ibdah

  • 1Sharad Khare, Qiong Zhang, Jamal A Ibdah, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRs) are crucial in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, regulating genes involved in cancer progression. Aberrantly expressed miRs offer potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with significant mortality.
  • MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miRs play a critical role in the initiation and progression of HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review aberrantly expressed miRs in HCC, their mechanisms, and cancer relevance.
  • To highlight the role of miRs in regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
  • To discuss the clinical implications of miR polymorphisms and the potential of miRs in HCC diagnosis and therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Analysis of miR expression patterns, mechanisms of action, and clinical associations.
  • Synthesis of current research on miR biomarkers and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • miRs are deregulated in HCC, influencing proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, and metastasis.
  • miR-binding site polymorphisms are linked to HCC risk.
  • Polymorphisms in miR-related genes correlate with patient survival and treatment outcomes.
  • miRs show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrantly expressed miRs are key players in HCC pathogenesis.
  • miRs and their genetic variations have significant clinical implications for HCC.
  • miRs represent a promising avenue for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in HCC management.
Keywords:
BiomarkerCancerHepatocellular carcinomaMicroRNAPolymorphism

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