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Transcription Factor MAX Regulates Liver Cancer Cell Growth, Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal
Gui Zhou1,2,3, Mei Yu Dai4,3, Xiang Chen5
1Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
World Journal of Oncology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
The transcription factor MAX directly regulates splicing factor SF3A3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This MAX-SF3A3 axis drives tumor growth and progression, offering a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- The regulatory relationship between transcription factor MAX and splicing factor SF3A3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.
- Investigating this relationship is crucial for understanding HCC progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if MAX directly regulates SF3A3 expression in HCC.
- To elucidate the functional role of the MAX-SF3A3 axis in HCC progression.
Main Methods:
- MAX and SF3A3 expression analysis in TCGA-HCC dataset and HCC tissues via qRT-PCR.
- Functional assays including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT assessments.
- Mechanistic studies involving ChIP-qPCR, luciferase reporter assays, and *in vivo* xenograft models.
Main Results:
- MAX and SF3A3 were overexpressed in HCC, correlating with poor prognosis and advanced disease.
- MAX directly bound the SF3A3 promoter, activating its transcription in a Myc-dependent manner.
- Overexpression of MAX or SF3A3 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT; knockdown reversed these effects.
Conclusions:
- A novel MAX-SF3A3 regulatory axis was identified, where MAX drives HCC progression.
- Targeting the MAX-SF3A3 axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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