Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important contributors to the biological processes underlying the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the involvement of these molecules in chronic liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and viral hepatitis, has only recently been considered in scientific research. While extensive studies on the pathogenesis of the development of HCC from hepatic fibrosis have been conducted, their regulatory molecular mechanisms are still only partially understood. The underlying mechanisms related to lncRNAs leading to HCC from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis have not yet been entirely elucidated. Therefore, elucidating the functional roles of lncRNAs in chronic liver disease and HCC can contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, and may help in developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC, as well as in preventing the progression of chronic liver disease to HCC. Here, we comprehensively review and briefly summarize some lncRNAs that participate in both hepatic fibrosis and HCC.
Highlights
Long non-coding RNAs are a subgroup of non-coding RNA transcripts, which are greater than 200 nucleotides in length, with little or no protein-coding potential [1,2]
While Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important contributors to the biological processes underlying the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including inflammation and neoplasia [3], the involvement of these molecules in chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has only been considered in scientific research [3]
These results suggest that HOTAIR may promote fibrosis in liver by regulating DNMT1, Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), and the p53 pathway in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), further studies on this lncRNA is necessary in order to identify the role of HOTAIR in the process of hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis
Summary
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a subgroup of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) transcripts, which are greater than 200 nucleotides in length, with little or no protein-coding potential [1,2]. Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCC, the overall low survival time, high rates of metastasis, postsurgical recurrence, and chemoresistance are still unsolved problems [5,6,7,8]. The underlying mechanisms related to lncRNAs leading to HCC from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis have not been entirely elucidated yet [12]. Elucidating the functional roles of lncRNAs in chronic liver disease and HCC can contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and may help in developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC as well as in preventing the progression of HCC from chronic liver disease [2]. Some well-documented lncRNAs that participate in both hepatic fibrosis and HCC are comprehensively summarized
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