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. 2019 Mar 29;27(4):509-514.
doi: 10.3727/096504018X15278771272963. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

The Biological Function of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Qiaodong Xu  1 , Songgang Gu  1 , Jiahong Liang  1 , Zhihua Lin  1 , Shaodong Zheng  1 , Jiang Yan  1
Affiliations

The Biological Function of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Qiaodong Xu et al. Oncol Res. .

Abstract

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of related carcinogenetic mechanisms of hepatitis B virus infection in hepatocellular carcinoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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