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Expression and Regulatory Network Analysis of Function of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Jing Cao1, Cuicui Xiao2, Christ-Jonathan Tsia Hin Fong3

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
|May 9, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Long non-coding RNA SNHG4 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), correlating with poor prognosis. This suggests SNHG4 may drive HCC development through tumor-related pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in cancer development.
  • Small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) are a class of lncRNAs with known roles in tumorigenesis.
  • The specific role of SNHG4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SNHG4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of SNHG4 in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for gene expression and survival analyses.
  • Employed bioinformatics tools including lncLocator 2.0, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, LinkedOmics, WebGestalt, and R software for comprehensive analysis.
  • Performed Gene Ontology, pathway enrichment, and RNA-binding protein interaction analyses.

Main Results:

  • SNHG4 expression is significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues.
  • Elevated SNHG4 levels are associated with poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival in HCC patients.
  • Functional enrichment analysis indicated SNHG4's involvement in ribosomal RNA synthesis and RNA processing pathways.
  • SNHG4 interacts with miR-154, miR-206, E2F transcription factors, and MAPK/ERK and mTOR signaling pathways.
  • A strong correlation was observed between SNHG4 and U2 auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2), with low U2AF2 expression predicting a better prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • SNHG4 expression is upregulated in HCC and serves as a potential prognostic biomarker.
  • SNHG4 may contribute to HCC development by regulating critical tumor-associated pathways.
  • Further research into SNHG4's regulatory network could reveal novel therapeutic targets for HCC.
Keywords:
Bioinformatic analysisHepatocellular carcinomaPrognosisSmall nucleolar RNA host gene 4

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