ARID3A Promotes Tumor Progression by Activating TNF-α/NF-κB Signaling in Dual-Phenotype Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC) is a unique subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) characterized by strong tumor stemness and invasive capabilities. ARID3A is identified as a potential regulator of tumor stemness in DPHCC by applying transcriptomic analysis. The precise mechanisms of ARID3A on the aggressive behavior of DPHCC remain to be further explored.

In vitro functional experiments and in vivo tumorigenesis assays were used to validate the malignant behaviors of ARID3A. RNA sequencing was performed on ARID3A-transfected cells to identify ARID3A-mediated regulatory mechanisms. Finally, the impact of ARID3A-TNF-α/NF-κB axis on HCC malignant behavior was analyzed through in vitro blocking or stimulation experiments.

The expression of ARID3A was upregulated in DPHCC and was associated with poor prognosis among these patients (p = 0.006, HR = 3.77, 95% CI:1.762-8.069). In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that ARID3A facilitated stemness features and tumor progression. Findings from RNA-seq suggested that ARID3A enhanced tumor stemness and activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the activation of TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling. In vitro stimulation of ARID3A-transfected cells lines with recombinant TNF-α protein or inhibition of TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling regulated the ARID3A-mediated invasiveness.

Our study reveals that ARID3A acts as an oncogene and promotes aggressive features of stem-like cells in DPHCC via the ARID3A-TNF-α/NF-κB axis. Thus, it may facilitate the development therapeutic strategy for DPHCC.