Open AccessThe Biological Function of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Author(s) -
Qingdong Xu,
Shen Gu,
Jiahong Liang,
Zhihua Lin,
Shaodong Zheng,
Yan Jiang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
oncology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1555-3906
pISSN - 0965-0407
DOI - 10.3727/096504018x15278771272963
Subject(s) - hbx , hepatocellular carcinoma , hepatitis b virus , cancer research , angiogenesis , metastasis , apoptosis , mechanism (biology) , virus , hepatitis b , medicine , carcinogen , hepadnaviridae , biology , virology , cancer , genetics , philosophy , epistemology
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major malignant tumors that lead to death. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is an important risk factor for HCC initiation. HBx protein, encoded by the HBV X gene, is a significant factor that promotes HBV-related HCC, although the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This article summarizes the pathological roles and related mechanisms of HBx in HCC. HBx plays a carcinogenic role by promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis in HCC. A detailed study of the biological functions of HBx will help to elucidate the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of HBV-related HCC.