MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights into Regulatory Mechanisms, Clinical Significance, and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and drug resistance are the main factors affecting the development and treatment of tumors. MiRNAs play crucial roles in almost all major cellular biological processes. Studies have been carried out on miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Their dysregulation contributes to the progression and prognosis of HCC. This review aims to explore the molecular cascades and corresponding phenotypic changes caused by aberrant miRNA expression and their regulatory mechanisms, summarize and analyze novel biomarkers from somatic fluids (plasma/serum/urine), and highlight the latent capacity of miRNAs as therapeutic targets.