Research progress of MicroRNA-34a in hepatocellular carcinoma

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of endogenous non coding single-stranded RNAs, which can function as a tumor promoter or suppressor in the development and progression of human malignant tumors. Studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of HCC. Numerous studies have found that the expression of miR-34a in various tumors is reduced and it participates in the carcinogenesis. Currently, the role of miR-34a in the tumorigenesis and development of HCC has attracted widespread attentions. Studies have confirmed that miR-34a can regulate the expression of its target genes and thus affect some key biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis of HCC. In this paper, we mainly reviewed the recent research progress on the role of miR-34a in HCC. Key words: MicroRNA, miR-34a; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Cell proliferation; Apoptosis; Invasion; Metastasis