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Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular functions and pathological implications
Chun-Ming Wong1,2, Felice Ho-Ching Tsang1,2, Irene Oi-Lin Ng1,2
1Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Block T, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|January 11, 2018
Summary
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long ncRNAs, are increasingly recognized for their critical roles in liver cancer development and progression. Understanding ncRNA deregulation is key to developing new diagnostic tools and therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Oncology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern with poorly understood molecular drivers.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in liver carcinogenesis across various etiologies (HBV, HCV, NAFLD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the deregulation of small and long ncRNAs in human HCC.
- To comprehensively analyze the pathological roles of ncRNAs in liver carcinogenesis, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
- To discuss the potential of ncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ncRNA deregulation in HCC.
- Analysis of high-throughput sequencing data identifying novel non-coding transcripts.
- Synthesis of evidence on ncRNA interactions with DNA, RNA, and proteins in liver cancer.
Main Results:
- Deregulation of microRNAs impacts tumor-suppressor genes and oncogenes in HCC.
- Long ncRNAs are implicated in liver carcinogenesis through various molecular interactions.
- ncRNAs play significant roles in HCC metastasis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs are fundamentally involved in liver carcinogenesis and represent a rapidly advancing area of cancer research.
- ncRNA deregulation is common in human HCC, highlighting their pathological significance.
- ncRNAs hold promise as potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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