A novel lncRNA-mediated signaling axis governs cancer stemness and splicing reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma with therapeutic potential.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aberrant alternative splicing (AS) contributes to cancer stemness and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the regulatory roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in linking AS dysregulation to tumor stemness remain elusive.

Methods

We performed integrated bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq analyses combined with functional assays to identify key lncRNAs associated with splicing regulation and cancer stemness in HCC. Mechanistic studies were conducted to elucidate the molecular interplay between lncRNAs, splicing factors, and transcriptional regulators. Drug sensitivity assays were used to evaluate therapeutic potential.

Results

Global analysis revealed increased splicing regulator activity during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, which

SUBMITTER: Si K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512555 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature