Perspectives on NcRNAs in HBV/cccDNA-driven HCC progression

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) persists despite antiviral therapy, driving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer and viral pathogenesis.
• RNA structure is vital for ncRNA function and biological activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of ncRNAs in mediating HBV/cccDNA actions in HCC progression.
• To highlight the role of ncRNAs in gene expression and RNA structural formation/modification.
• To provide an updated overview of ncRNA involvement in HBV pathogenesis and HCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ncRNAs, HBV, cccDNA, and HCC.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate gene transcription, signaling pathways, and RNA structure.
• Focus on the interplay between ncRNAs, viral components, and G-quadruplex formation.

Main Results:

• ncRNAs regulate HBV replication, cccDNA persistence, and HCC development through diverse mechanisms.
• ncRNAs act as gene regulators, miRNA sponges, and modulators of signaling pathways.
• Both ncRNAs and viral nucleotides contribute to G-quadruplex structures essential for HBV and HCC.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs are key players in HBV pathogenesis and HCC progression, influencing viral activity and cancer development.
• Understanding ncRNA functions and structural roles is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies against HBV-related HCC.
• Targeting ncRNAs offers potential for eliminating persistent HBV cccDNA and managing HCC.