MiR-375 gene therapy attenuates drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell autophagy

Drug Resistance ◽

Western Blotting ◽

Regulatory Mechanism ◽

Negative Control ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Sorafenib Treatment ◽

Hcc Cells ◽

Abstract Objective To probe into the regulatory mechanism of miR-375 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under sorafenib treatment. Methods Western blotting and qRT-PCR were applied to measure the expressions of miR-375 and SIRT5 in parental HCC cells (HepG2 and Huh7) and sorafenib-resistant HCC cells (HepG2/so and Huh7/so). HepG2/so cells were accordingly transfected with miR-375 mimic, miR-375 inhibitor, sh-SIRT5, pcDNA3.1-SIRT5 or negative control. Western blotting measured the expressions of p62, LC3I and LC3II in HCC cells. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assessed the survivability and apoptosis of HCC cells, respectively. Bioinformatics techniques and dual-luciferase reporter assay predicted and verified the targeting relationship between miR-375 and SIRT5. Results MiR-375 was under-expressed and SIRT5 was over-expressed in HCC cells. Autophagy inhibitor impaired the survival of HepG2/so cells transfected with miR-375 inhibitor. Autophagy activator enhanced the drug resistance of HepG2/so cells transfected with miR-375 mimic. MiR-375 suppressed the drug resistance of HepG2/so cells by inhibiting autophagy. SIRT5 enhanced the drug resistance of HepG2/so cells by promoting autophagy and it could be targeted by miR-375. Conclusion MiR-375 suppresses autophagy to attenuate the drug resistance of HCC cells by regulating SIRT5. The findings of this study may provide new therapeutic targets for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

MiR-452-5p mediates the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting COLEC10

Personalized Medicine ◽

10.2217/pme-2020-0027 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 97-106

Author(s):

Jianxing Zheng ◽

Daming Cheng ◽

Dongyang Wu ◽

Libing Wang ◽

Fengzhi Qu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regulatory Mechanism ◽

Active Role ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Promoting Effect ◽

Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽

Hcc Cells ◽

Objective: This study explored the potential function of miR-452-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and clarified the mechanism underlying HCC progression. Materials & methods: Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect miR-452-5p and COLEC10 mRNA expression in HCC, western blot was performed to test COLEC10 protein expression. The regulatory mechanism of miR-452-5p/COLEC10 in HCC cells was explored using CCK-8, wound healing assay, Transwell and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: MiR-452-5p was greatly upregulated in HCC cells, and it served as an oncogene playing an active role in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. COLEC10 was identified as the target of miR-452-5p in HCC attenuating the promoting effect of miR-452-5p on HCC cells upon overexpression. Conclusion: MiR-452-5p can promote the progression of HCC via targeting COLEC10.

Epigenetic regulation of ferroptosis via ETS1/miR-23a-3p/ACSL4 axis mediates sorafenib resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-02208-x ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuanjun Lu ◽

Yau-Tuen Chan ◽

Hor-Yue Tan ◽

Cheng Zhang ◽

Wei Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Resistance ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses ◽

Sorafenib Treatment ◽

Abstract Background Drug resistance to sorafenib greatly limited the benefits of treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of drug resistance. The key miRNA regulators related to the clinical outcome of sorafenib treatment and their molecular mechanisms remain to be identified. Methods The clinical significance of miRNA-related epigenetic changes in sorafenib-resistant HCC was evaluated by analyzing publicly available databases and in-house human HCC tissues. The biological functions of miR-23a-3p were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify the mechanisms that regulating miR-23a-3p. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to validate the binding relationship of miR-23a-3p and its targets. Results We found that miR-23a-3p was the most prominent miRNA in HCC, which was overexpressed in sorafenib non-responders and indicated poor survival and HCC relapse. Sorafenib-resistant cells exhibited increased miR-23a-3p transcription in an ETS Proto-Oncogene 1 (ETS1)-dependent manner. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of miR-23a-3p improved sorafenib response in HCC cells as well as orthotopic HCC tumours. Proteomics analysis suggested that sorafenib-induced ferroptosis was the key pathway suppressed by miR-23a-3p with reduced cellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. MiR-23a-3p directly targeted the 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of ACSL4, the key positive regulator of ferroptosis. The miR-23a-3p inhibitor rescued ACSL4 expression and induced ferrotoptic cell death in sorafenib-treated HCC cells. The co-delivery of ACSL4 siRNA and miR-23a-3p inhibitor abolished sorafenib response. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that ETS1/miR-23a-3p/ACSL4 axis contributes to sorafenib resistance in HCC through regulating ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that miR-23a-3p could be a potential target to improve sorafenib responsiveness in HCC patients.

LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting miR-23c

World Journal of Surgical Oncology ◽

10.1186/s12957-021-02176-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shuai Xue ◽

Fengqin Lu ◽

Chunhui Sun ◽

Jingjing Zhao ◽

Honghua Zhen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Transwell Assay ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Proliferation And Invasion ◽

Hcc Cells ◽

Abstract Background It has been reported that long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 antisense 1 (ZEB1-AS1) is an oncogene in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the role and mechanism of ZEB1-AS1 as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) combined with miR-23c in HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Methods QRT-PCR was used to detect ZEB1-AS1 and miR-23c expressions in HCC tissues and cells. The dual luciferase reporter assay detected the targeted regulation of miR-23c and ZEB1-AS1. We also performed the correlation analysis of their expression in HCC tissues by the Spearman’s correlation analysis. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the proliferation of hepatoma cells. Cell invasion was assessed by the Transwell assay. Results QRT-PCR results indicated ZEB1-AS1 was upregulated and miR-23c was downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. ZEB1-AS1 knockdown hampered the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-23c is a target of ZEB1-AS1, and ZEB1-AS1 was significantly negatively correlated with the miR-23c expression in HCC tissues. The results of MTT and Transwell assay showed that miR-23c inhibition restored the inhibitory effect of ZEB1-AS1 knockdown on HCC cells proliferation and invasion. Conclusions As a ceRNA, lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 may play a vital role in inhibiting HCC progression through miR-23c, which will provide new clues and theoretical basis for the HCC diagnosis and treatment.

LncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 Contributes to the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Modulating miR-411/MITD1 Axis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-685514/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chun Duan ◽

Bin Quan ◽

Ni Wang ◽

Jianghua Yang ◽

Yan-Lin Yu

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

High Morbidity ◽

Transwell Assay ◽

Downstream Target ◽

Common Malignancy ◽

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity. The current study aimed to explore the molecular mechannism of lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 in the tumorigenesis of HCC.Material and Methods: The expression of SLC16A1-AS1 and miR-411 were examined in clinical HCC tissues. HCC cell lines Hep3B and Huh-7 were employed and transfected with si-SLC16A1-AS1. The correlation between SLC16A1-AS1 and miR-411 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion capacity were examined by transwell assay. The protein level of MITD1 was analyzed by western blotting.Results: The expression of SLC16A1-AS1 markedly increased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Subsequent studies identified SLC16A1-AS1 as a downstream target of miR-411. In addition, SLC16A1-AS1 knockdown and miR-411 overexpression significantly stagnated progression of HCC cells. SLC16A1-AS1 knockdown also downregulated MITD1 levels. Conclusion: Our findings showed that SLC16A1-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC cells and tissues. SLC16A1-AS1 promoted the malignant characteristics of HCC cells and acted as an oncogene. Its regulatory effect may be associated with miR-411/MITD1 axis. Therefore, SLC16A1-AS1 has a potential be used as a biomarker or therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

MiR-424-5p regulates cell cycle and inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting E2F7

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0242179 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0242179

Author(s):

Yichao Zhao ◽

Chaoqian Zhu ◽

Qing Chang ◽

Peng Peng ◽

Jie Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Ectopic Expression ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

G1 Phase ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Hcc Cells ◽

Objective This study aims to explore the mechanism of the miR-424-5p/E2F7 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and provide new ideas for targeted therapy of HCC. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the target differentially expressed miRNA in HCC and predict its target gene. qRT-PCR was employed to verify the expression of miR-424-5p and E2F7 mRNA in HCC cells. Western blot was performed to detect the effect of miR-424-5p ectopic expression on the protein expression of E2F7. CCK-8 was used to detect proliferative activity of HCC cells and flow cytometry was carried out for analyzing cell cycle distribution. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the direct targeting relationship between miR-424-5p and E2F7. Results We observed that miR-424-5p was down-regulated in HCC cells. CCK-8 showed that overexpression of miR-424-5p inhibited cell proliferation, and flow cytometry showed that miR-424-5p could block cells in G0/G1 phase. E2F7 was up-regulated in HCC cells, and E2F7 overexpression could facilitate the proliferative ability of HCC cells and promote the cell cycle progressing from G0/G1 to S phase. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-424-5p could directly down-regulate E2F7 expression. Analysis on cell function demonstrated that miR-424-5p inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells and blocked cell cycle at G0/G1 phase by targeting E2F7. Conclusion Our results proved that E2F7 was a direct target of miR-424-5p, and miR-424-5p could regulate cell cycle and further inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells by targeting E2F7.

Long Non-coding RNA TMEM220-AS1 Suppressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the miR-484/MAGI1 Axis as a Competing Endogenous RNA

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology ◽

10.3389/fcell.2021.681529 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Cong Cao ◽

Jun Li ◽

Guangzhi Li ◽

Gaoyu Hu ◽

Zhihua Deng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Blotting ◽

Pdz Domain ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Low Levels ◽

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a considerable regulatory influence on multiple biological processes. Nevertheless, the role of TMEM220-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNAs. qRT-PCR was used to verify the results for a large population. The in vitro effects of TMEM220-AS1 on HCC cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays in HCC cells. We used qRT-PCR and western blotting to identify the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, we performed bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TMEM220-AS1 function. Finally, the function of TMEM220-AS1 was verified in vivo. The results showed that TMEM220-AS1 was expressed at considerably low levels in HCC. It was demonstrated that malignant phenotypes and EMT of HCC cells were promoted by the knock down of TMEM220-AS1 both in vivo and in vitro. TMEM220-AS1, which was detected primarily in the cytoplasm, functioned as an miRNA sponge to bind miR-484 and promote the level of membrane-associated guanylate kinase, WW, and PDZ domain containing 1 (MAGI1), thereby curbing the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. In conclusion, low levels of TMEM220-AS1 promote proliferation and metastasis through the miR-484/MAGI1 axis in HCC.

miR-541 potentiates the response of human hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib treatment by inhibiting autophagy

Gut ◽

10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318830 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (7) ◽

pp. 1309-1321 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Wen-Ping Xu ◽

Jin-Pei Liu ◽

Ji-Feng Feng ◽

Chang-Peng Zhu ◽

Yuan Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Role ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Sorafenib Treatment ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Reporter Assays ◽

ObjectiveAutophagy participates in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the resistance of HCC cells to sorafenib. We investigated the feasibility of sensitising HCC cells to sorafenib by modulating miR-541-initiated microRNA-autophagy axis.DesignGain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-541 on the malignant properties and autophagy of human HCC cells. Autophagy was quantified by western blotting of LC3, transmission electron microscopy analyses and confocal microscopy scanning of mRFP-GFP-LC3 reporter construct. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the targets of miR-541. HCC xenograft tumours were established to analyse the role of miR-541 in sorafenib-induced lethality.ResultsThe expression of miR-541 was downregulated in human HCC tissues and was associated with malignant clinicopathologic phenotypes, recurrence and survival of patients with HCC. miR-541 inhibited the growth, metastasis and autophagy of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Prediction software and luciferase reporter assays identified autophagy-related gene 2A (ATG2A) and Ras-related protein Rab-1B (RAB1B) as the direct targets of miR-541. Consistent with the effects of the miR-541 mimic, inhibition of ATG2A or RAB1B suppressed the malignant phenotypes and autophagy of HCC cells. Furthermore, siATG2A and siRAB1B partially reversed the enhancement of the malignant properties and autophagy in HCC cells mediated by the miR-541 inhibitor. More interestingly, higher miR-541 expression predicted a better response to sorafenib treatment, and the combination of miR-541 and sorafenib further suppressed the growth of HCC cells in vivo compared with the single treatment.ConclusionsDysregulation of miR-541-ATG2A/RAB1B axis plays a critical role in patients’ responses to sorafenib treatment. Manipulation of this axis might benefit survival of patients with HCC, especially in the context of the highly pursued strategies to eliminate drug resistance.

FAM83H-AS1/miR-485-5p/MEF2D axis facilitates proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-021-08923-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wenpeng Zhao ◽

Jiang Guo ◽

Honglu Li ◽

Liang Cai ◽

Youjia Duan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antisense Rna ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Repressive Effect ◽

Cell Progression ◽

Direct Target ◽

Hcc Cells ◽

Enhancer Factor

Abstract Background Abundant evidence has manifested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely implicated in human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Remarkably, lncRNA FAM83H antisense RNA 1 (FAM83H-AS1) has been reported to be a tumor-propeller in multiple cancers. However, its effect on HCC progression remains unknown. Methods FAM83H-AS1 expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Colony formation, EdU, and flow cytometry as well as transwell assays were implemented to analyze the biological functions of FAM83H-AS1 on HCC progression. Luciferase reporter, RIP and RNA pull-down assays were implemented to detect the interaction among FAM83H-AS1, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p), and myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) in HCC cells. Results FAM83H-AS1 expression in HCC cells was markedly elevated. FAM83H-AS1 accelerated cell proliferation, migration and invasion whereas inhibiting cell apoptosis in HCC. Besides, we confirmed that FAM83H-AS1 acts as a miR-485-5p sponge in HCC cells. Additionally, MEF2D was verified to be a direct target of miR-485-5p. FAM83H-AS1 could upregulate MEF2D expression via sponging miR-485-5p. Further, rescue experiments testified that MEF2D upregulation or miR-485-5p downregulation offset the repressive effect of FAM83H-AS1 depletion on HCC cell progression. Conclusions FAM83H-AS1 facilitates HCC malignant progression via targeting miR-485-5p/MEF2D axis, suggesting that FAM83H-AS1 may be a promising biomarker for HCC treatment in the future.

Long noncoding RNA UPK1A-AS1 indicates poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes cell proliferation through interaction with EZH2

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-020-01748-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dong-Yan Zhang ◽

Qing-Can Sun ◽

Xue-Jing Zou ◽

Yang Song ◽

Wen-Wen Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Western Blotting ◽

Poor Prognosis ◽

Cell Cycle Progression ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Cycle Progression ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Abstract Background Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is responsible for cancer initiation and development, positioning lncRNAs as not only biomarkers but also promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. A growing number of lncRNAs have been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their functional and mechanistic roles remain unclear. Methods Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to investigate the molecular mechanism of UPK1A antisense RNA 1 (UPK1A-AS1). Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, EdU assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, and xenograft assays were used to confirm the role of UPK1A-AS1 in the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to explore the interplay between UPK1A-AS1 and enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down assays, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were conducted to confirm the interaction between UPK1A-AS1 and EZH2. The interaction between UPK1A-AS1 and miR-138-5p was examined by luciferase reporter and RIP assays. Finally, the expression level and prognosis value of UPK1A-AS1 in HCC were analyzed using RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. Results We showed that UPK1A-AS1, a newly identified lncRNA, promoted cellular proliferation and tumor growth by accelerating cell cycle progression. Cell cycle-related genes, including CCND1, CDK2, CDK4, CCNB1, and CCNB2, were significantly upregulated in HCC cells overexpressing UPK1A-AS1. Furthermore, overexpression of UPK1A-AS1 could protect HCC cells from cis-platinum toxicity. Mechanistically, UPK1A-AS1 interacted with EZH2 to mediate its nuclear translocation and reinforce its binding to SUZ12, leading to increased H27K3 trimethylation. Targeting EZH2 with specific small interfering RNA impaired the UPK1A-AS1-mediated upregulation of proliferation and cell cycle progression-related genes. Moreover, miR-138-5p was identified as a direct target of UPK1A-AS1. Additionally, UPK1A-AS1 was significantly upregulated in HCC, and the upregulation of UPK1A-AS1 predicted poor prognosis for patients with HCC. Conclusions Our study revealed that UPK1A-AS1 promotes HCC development by accelerating cell cycle progression through interaction with EZH2 and sponging of miR-138-5p, suggesting that UPK1A-AS1 possesses substantial potential as a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis and therapy.

The miR-30a-5p/CLCF1 axis regulates sorafenib resistance and aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-020-03123-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Zhongqiang Zhang ◽

Xiao Tan ◽

Jing Luo ◽

Hongliang Yao ◽

Zhongzhou Si ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Western Blotting ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Aerobic Glycolysis ◽

Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Abstract HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a major health threat for the Chinese population and has poor prognosis because of strong resistance to chemotherapy in patients. For instance, a considerable challenge for the treatment of HCC is sorafenib resistance. The aberrant glucose metabolism in cancer cells aerobic glycolysis is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Drug-resistance cells and tumors were exposed to sorafenib to establish sorafenib-resistance cell lines and tumors. Western blotting and real-time PCR or IHC staining were used to analyze the level of CLCF1 in the sorafenib resistance cell lines or tumors. The aerobic glycolysis was analyzed by ECAR assay. The mechanism mediating the high expression of CLCF1 in sorafenib-resistant cells and its relationships with miR-130-5p was determined by bioinformatic analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, real-time PCR, and western blotting. The in vivo effect was evaluated by xenografted with nude mice. The relation of CLCF1 and miR-30a-5p was determined in patients’ samples. In this study, we report the relationship between sorafenib resistance and increased glycolysis in HCC cells. We also show the vital role of CLCF1 in promoting glycolysis by activating PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream genes, thus participating in glycolysis in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Furthermore, we also show that miR-30a-5p directly targets CLCF1 and that sorafenib-mediated suppression of miR-30a-5p results in the upregulation of CLCF1 in HCC cells resistant to sorafenib. We also found that when a cholesterol modified agomiR-30a-5p was delivered systemically to mice harboring sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors, tumor growth decreased significantly. There is an uncharacterized mechanism of biochemical resistance to hormone therapies orchestrated by the miR-30a-5p/CLCF1 axis to mediate sorafenib resistance and aerobic glycolysis in HCC. Therefore, this study indicates that targeting the miR-30a-5p/CLCF1 axis may hold promise for therapeutic intervention in HCC sorafenib resistance patients.