MicroRNA polymorphism: A target for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening cancer of the digestive system, with complex pathogenesis affected by a broad spectrum of genetic and epigenetic factors. Among several factors, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are considered regulators of the post-transcriptional gene expression, play important roles in determining the malignant phenotype of HCC. In recent years, the advances in molecular genetics have resulted in the characterization of complex genetic factors and in the identification of epigenetic mechanisms of diseases. Accumulating data have suggested that miRNA polymorphisms are involved in tumorigenesis and prognosis, suggesting that the miRNAs may serve as a target for HCC with regard to pathogenesis and prognosis. In the present review, a comprehensive and detailed literature search was conducted and the role of miRNA polymorphisms in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC is summarized. The data proposed the use of miRNAs as targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.