The Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Tumorigenesis to Biomarker Applications

Author: Hyunjin PARK ; Seunghye KIM ; Jeong Eun YOO ; Haeryoung KIM
Publication Type:SPECIAL ISSUE (REVIEW ARTICLE)
From: Journal of Digestive Cancer Research 2026;14(1):93-101
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health burden and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when curative treatment options are limited. Current surveillance strategies, including ultrasonography and serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement, lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the urgent need for improved biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, have emerged as key regulators of hepatocarcinogenesis. Their dysregulation contributes to tumor growth, resistance to cell death, and metastasis, with some miRNAs serving as oncogenes and others as tumor suppressors. Circulating miRNAs have emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers because of their stability in body fluids and tissue-specific expression patterns. In addition, they provide valuable prognostic information by reflecting tumor behavior and response to treatment. This review summarizes the roles of miRNAs in HCC pathogenesis and discusses their potential clinical applications in HCC diagnosis and prognosis.