Novel lncRNA T-UCR as a potential downstream driver of the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway in hepatobiliary carcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the most frequent primary liver tumours and their incidence is increasing worldwide. HCC commonly originates from chronic necroinflammation of liver parenchyma that promotes the malignant transformation of proliferating hepatocytes, whereas CCA arises from neoplastic biliary transformation. These types of cancer are frequently diagnosed in advanced stages compromising the limited therapeutic options mainly based on surgery. The molecular and cellular heterogeneity of these tumours, together with their rich tumour microenvironment, contribute to drug resistance and malignant recurrence. This clinical scenario results in poor prognosis.1 2 In the last years, intense efforts are being made to ascertain the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of both types of cancer in order to find new effective therapeutic options. Understanding liver cancer biology, elucidation of fundamental molecular pathways and determination of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities (ie, DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding...
Source: Gut - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research