Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

Published on: September 12, 2019

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Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α and cancer-related cell signaling pathways: a promising insight into cancer treatment

Duo-Duo Lv1, Ling-Yun Zhou1, Hong Tang2

  • 1Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.

Experimental & Molecular Medicine
|January 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) plays a key role in cancer development and progression. Understanding its functions offers new strategies for cancer therapy and biomarker development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a nuclear receptor protein regulating gene expression and cellular processes.
  • Abnormal HNF4α expression is linked to various human cancers, influencing proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of HNF4α in cancer occurrence, progression, and treatment.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HNF4α's involvement in cancer.
  • To highlight the clinical potential of HNF4α as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HNF4α in human malignancies.
  • Analysis of HNF4α's involvement in key cancer signaling pathways.
  • Evaluation of HNF4α's potential as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Results:

  • HNF4α is critically involved in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, dedifferentiation, and metastasis.
  • HNF4α influences cancer through pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, STAT3, and TGF-β.
  • Emerging evidence supports HNF4α's utility as a biomarker and therapeutic target in oncology.

Conclusions:

  • HNF4α is a significant factor in human cancer, impacting multiple hallmarks of the disease.
  • Targeting HNF4α and its associated pathways presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Further research into HNF4α's clinical applications could lead to improved cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

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