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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Use of Alu Element Containing Minigenes to Analyze Circular RNAs
Published on: March 10, 2020
Molecular mechanisms of circular RNAs, transforming growth factor-β, and long noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular
Wenkang Shang1, Gabriel Komla Adzika2, Yujie Li3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
At the heart of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lies disruption of signaling pathways at the level of molecules, genes, and cells. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been implicated in the disease progression of HCC. For instance, dysregulated expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been observed in patients with HCC. As such, these RNAs are potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of ncRNA, have also been recognized to participate in the initiation and progression of HCC. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is another element which is now recognized to play crucial roles in HCC. It has been implicated in many biological processes such as survival, immune surveillance, and cell proliferation. In HCC, TGF-β promotes disease progression by two mechanisms: an intrinsic signaling pathway and the extrinsic pathway. Through these pathways, it modulates various microenvironment factors such as inflammatory mediators and fibroblasts. An interesting yet-to-be resolved concept is whether the HCC-promoting role of TGF-β pathways is limited to a subset of HCC patients or it is involved in the whole process of HCC development. This review summarizes recent advancements to highlight the roles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and TGF-β in HCC.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key non-coding RNAs involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling also drives HCC development, making these factors potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involves disrupted molecular, genetic, and cellular signaling pathways.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their roles in HCC.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is crucial in HCC pathogenesis, influencing cell survival, immune response, and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the roles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and TGF-β in hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To highlight the potential of these molecules as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on circRNAs, lncRNAs, and TGF-β in HCC.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in HCC progression.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated expression of circRNAs is observed in HCC patients, indicating their potential as biomarkers.
- lncRNAs are implicated in the initiation and progression of HCC.
- TGF-β signaling, through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, promotes HCC by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs, lncRNAs, and TGF-β signaling are critical players in HCC development and progression.
- These molecules represent promising targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in HCC treatment.
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