A new review published in
Genes & Diseases explores the intricate
epigenetic regulatory network of
long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), shedding light on the profound impact of
DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA methylation, and microRNAs on lncRNA transcription. This analysis highlights how these regulatory mechanisms drive the progression of
liver cancer, offering valuable insights for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The role of
lncRNAs in
cancer biology has become increasingly evident, as they regulate
gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and cellular signaling pathways. In
HCC, these molecules interact with
epigenetic modifiers to influence
tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. The review delves into how
DNA methylation silences tumor-suppressing lncRNAs, while
histone modifications either promote or inhibit their expression depending on the nature of
methylation or acetylation. Additionally,
RNA methylation—particularly
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification—emerges as a crucial mechanism altering the
stability and translation of these transcripts.
Beyond direct modifications,
microRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in fine-tuning
lncRNA expression through post-transcriptional regulation. The interplay between
miRNAs and lncRNAs creates a complex
competing endogenous RNA network, impacting key oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways in
HCC.
Understanding these
epigenetic interactions opens avenues for
novel biomarkers that could revolutionize
early detection, prognosis, and treatment approaches. The identification of
epigenetically regulated lncRNAs paves the way for
targeted therapies that modulate their function, potentially overcoming
drug resistance and enhancing
therapeutic efficacy.
This review offers a deeper comprehension of
how lncRNA-driven epigenetic regulation contributes to
HCC pathogenesis. These insights provide a foundation for developing innovative
RNA-based therapies aimed at disrupting cancer-promoting networks while preserving essential cellular functions.
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Genes & Diseases publishes rigorously peer-reviewed and high quality original articles and authoritative reviews that focus on the molecular bases of human diseases. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis-driven, mechanistic studies relevant to pathogenesis and/or experimental therapeutics of human diseases. The journal has worldwide authorship, and a broad scope in basic and translational biomedical research of molecular biology, molecular genetics, and cell biology, including but not limited to cell proliferation and apoptosis, signal transduction, stem cell biology, developmental biology, gene regulation and epigenetics, cancer biology, immunity and infection, neuroscience, disease-specific animal models, gene and cell-based therapies, and regenerative medicine.
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Impact Factor: 6.9
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Print ISSN: 2352-4820
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Reference
Zhaoqi Shi, Shengxi Jin, Xiaolong Liu, Mengting Jiang, Yifeng Fang, Parikshit Asutosh Khadaroo, Hui Lin, Xiaoxiao Fan, The epigenetic regulatory network of long noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma, Genes & Diseases, Volume 12, Issue 5, 2025, 101534,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101534
Funding Information:
National Natural Science Foundation of China U23A20487
National Natural Science Foundation of China 82001874
National Natural Science Foundation of China 82102105
Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Cognitive Healthcare (China) 2017E10011
Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China LQ22H160017
Zhejiang Province Science and Technology Plan Project (China) 2022C03134
Science and Technology Innovation 2030 Plan Project of China 2022ZD0160703