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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
The underlying mechanism and targeted therapy strategy of miRNAs cross-regulating EMT process through multiple
Juan Chen1, Fuguo He1, Hong Peng2
1Department of Pathology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
The consistent notion holds that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, and clinical treatment failure treatment failure are affected by the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. meanwhile, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial biological process that controls the development of HCC. miRNAs regulate the intermediation state of EMTor mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MTE)thereby regulating HCC progression. Notably, miRNAs regulate key HCC-related molecular pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, TGF-β pathway, and RAS/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed how miRNAs produce EMT effects by multiple signaling pathways and their potential significance in the pathogenesis and treatment response of HCC. emphasizing their molecular pathways and progression in HCC initiation. Additionally, we also pay attention to regulatory mechanisms that are partially independent of signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize and propose miRNA-targeted therapy and diagnosis and defense strategies forHCC. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during HCC disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Consequently, we summarize the latest progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review explores how miRNAs influence HCC progression and treatment via EMT and molecular pathways, proposing new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development involves genetic and epigenetic changes.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators in physiological and pathological processes.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of HCC progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs in regulating EMT in HCC.
- To explore miRNA-mediated signaling pathways in HCC pathogenesis and treatment.
- To propose miRNA-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of miRNAs, EMT, and HCC.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in key molecular pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, RAS/MAPK).
- Investigation of signaling pathway-independent regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- miRNAs significantly influence EMT and HCC progression through multiple signaling pathways.
- miRNAs also regulate HCC via mechanisms independent of canonical signaling pathways.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into cellular plasticity and therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are crucial in HCC pathogenesis by modulating EMT.
- Targeting miRNAs presents a promising therapeutic avenue for HCC.
- Further research into miRNA-EMT interactions can lead to novel diagnostic and treatment strategies.
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