Page 40 - Read Online

Review

Recent updates of genetic and genomic alterations in

hepatocellular carcinoma

Zhang Zhao, Jian Huang

Liver Research Center, Experimental Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China

ABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide. However, the molecular
mechanisms underlining the development and progression of HCC remain unclear. Genetic and genomic alterations are
common events in various types of cancers including HCC. With the development and application of next generation
sequencing technology, novel genetic and genomic alterations in HCC have been identified. Here, the article reviews recent
updates on the genetic and genomic alterations in HCC.
Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; genetics; genomics; next generation sequencing

Address for correspondence:
Prof. Jian Huang, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Beijing 100050, China.
E-mail: huangj1966@hotmail.com
Received: 05-07-2015, Accepted: 01-10-2015

INTRODUCTION HCC confirmed the important roles of previously
reported genetic and genomic alterations in the
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most development and progression of HCC. However,
[2]
common malignant neoplasms worldwide, with the fact that the most frequently mutated genes were
a prevalence of more than 50% in China. Hepatitis generally previously reported, and that few novel
B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, mutated genes with high frequency were identified
ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B1, by the whole-genome sequencing suggests the
and alcohol consumption are considered major
risk factors for HCC development. Despite well- complexity regarding the role of genetic mutations
[1]
established risk factors, the specific molecular in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this paper, we review
mechanisms underlining pathogenesis of HCC recent updates on genetic mutations and genomic
remain unclear. Genetic and genomic alterations are imbalances in HCC.
common events in various types of cancers including GENETIC ALTERATIONS: MUTATION AND SINGLE
HCC, and may be associated with the development
and progression of cancer. With the development NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM
of the technology of next generation sequencing, Somatic mutation
that is, whole-genome sequencing, novel genetic
and genomic alterations have been identified. Previous studies have demonstrated that the most
Recent studies on whole-genome sequencing of significantly mutated genes in HCC include tumor
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Access this article online Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License, which allows
Quick Response Code others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the
author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
Website:
http://www.hrjournal.net/ For reprints contact: service@oaepublish.com

DOI: How to cite this article: Zhao Z, Huang J. Recent updates of genetic
and genomic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatoma Res
10.4103/2394-5079.168446 2016; 2:31-5.

© 2016 Hepatoma Research | Published by OAE Publishing Inc. 31