The impact of hepatitis B virus x protein and microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive analysis

Tumour Biol. 2014 Dec;35(12):11695-700. doi: 10.1007/s13277-014-2658-6. Epub 2014 Oct 7.

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs, approximately 22 nucleotides (nts) in length, widely found in animals, plants, and viruses. Mature miRNAs control gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through blocking protein translation or inducing mRNA degradation. Many recent studies have shown that hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx), a viral protein with a crucial role in hepatogenesis, is associated with the regulation of miRNAs. This interaction impacts fundamental tumor processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this review, we summarized the recent literature on the roles of HBx-regulated miRNAs in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Signal Transduction
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Trans-Activators
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
  • hepatitis B virus X protein