Abstract
With 296 million cases estimated worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV-encoded oncogene X protein (HBx), a key multifunctional regulatory protein, drives viral replication and interferes with several cellular signalling pathways that drive virus-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of HBx in modulating the various hallmarks of HCC by supporting tumour initiation, progression, invasion and metastasis. Understanding HBx-mediated dimensions of complexity in driving liver malignancies could provide the key to unlocking novel and repurposed combinatorial therapies to combat HCC.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 741 |
Journal | Cells |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Feb 2022 |
Keywords
- Cancer hallmarks
- HBx protein
- Hepatitis B virus
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Therapeutics