Major genomic mutations driving hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a subtype of highly malignant carcinoma that occurs in the liver, improved understanding of the mechanisms behind HCC tumorigenesis and better clinical treatment options are urgently needed. Several pieces of evidence have implied that the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC are driven by various genomic mutations and alterations. In this review, we have provided an overview of driver mutations in different signaling pathways that dominate HCC tumorigenesis, as well as vital molecular events in HCC initiation. Meanwhile, we have also summarized different agents or tools that may be utilized for HCC treatment in patients with corresponding mutation events. These findings may expand our understanding of the inherent characteristics of HCC and provide new perspectives for the future clinical treatment of HCC.

Funding

Key Technologies Research and Development Program(2019YFA0802102); Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32221002); Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB19020203); CAS project for young scientists in basic research(YSBR-014); Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project