Targeting STARD4/EGFR axis inhibits growth and overcomes lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Lenvatinib is widely used as a first-line chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly metastatic and recurrent cancer. However, HCC cells often develop resistance to lenvatinib, thus reducing its efficacy. This study aims to investigate the impact of STARD4, a crucial cholesterol transporter, on HCC growth and lenvatinib resistance, as well as explore the involvement of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in STARD4's role. Analysis of clinical samples from HCC patients revealed increased expression of both STARD4 and EGFR in tumor tissues, with a strong correlation between STARD4 expression and malignancy progression. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that STARD4 promoted HCC growth and hindered lenvatinib's anti-tumor effect, while STARD4 down-

SUBMITTER: Liu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12359158 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature