Functions and Mechanisms of Hepatic Cancer-Associated Genes and miRNAs

Dear Colleagues,

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most aggressive primary liver cancers and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, overall survival remains suboptimal, highlighting the urgent need for improved diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. Increasing evidence underscores the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs)—key regulators of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, and fundamental processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation—in the initiation and progression of HCC. Acting either as tumor suppressors or oncogenic drivers, aberrant miRNA expression is closely associated with tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.

This Special Issue focuses on unraveling the mechanisms and functions of hepatic cancer–associated genes and miRNAs, aiming to deepen our understanding of HCC biology and accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We welcome state-of-the-art research and high-impact contributions to the Special Issue entitled “Functions and Mechanisms of Hepatic Cancer-Associated Genes and miRNAs.” Research areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Regulatory networks of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in hepatic cancer;
• Extracellular vesicle–derived noncoding RNAs and their roles in HCC progression and liquid;
• Biopsy;
• The implication of miRNAs in genetic and epigenetic alterations driving hepatocarcinogenesis and drug resistance;
• Tumor microenvironment interactions and immune regulation mediated by ncRNAs;
• Biomarker discovery for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring;
• Targeted therapies, RNA-based therapeutics, and delivery systems for ncRNA modulation.

Dr. Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
Guest Editor

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