Alnustone inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma via ROS- mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K axis

Chrysotoxine regulates ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to prevent cervical cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendrobium (commonly known as Shihu in China), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb recognized in the Pharmacopoeia of China (2020 edition), boasts a rich history of medicinal application. Extensive research has been conducted on its Chinese medicinal prescription due to its demonstrated anti-tumour effects in clinical settings. Dendrobium is comprised of a diverse range of chemical compounds, notably the Bibenzyls, Erianin, and Gigantol, which have exhibited significant inhibitory and therapeutic effects on cervical cancer, thereby suggesting potential therapeutic value. However, the comprehensive investigation of Chrysotoxine, a naturally occurring active ingredient of Bibenzyls in Dendrobium, remains incomplete in treatment of cervical cancer.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of Chrysotoxine and its regulatory impact on ferroptosis in cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, the effects of chrysotoxine on the cervical cancer cell line HeLa were assessed using CCK-8, transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometry to evaluate cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were employed to identify the molecular targets of chrysotoxine in cervical cancer. Finally, confocal microscopy assessed the expression levels of ROS and lipid compounds in response to chrysotoxine treatment, and the influence of chrysotoxine on signaling pathways was investigated using Western blot analysis, guided by KEGG pathway analysis.

RESULTS

Our cell-based experiments revealed that CTX effectively suppresses the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in CC. Subsequently, we comprehensively analyzed that HSP90AA1, ESR1, PIK3CA, mTOR and MAPK1 may be the possible targets of CTX in CC by combining network pharmacology with molecular docking techniques. Finally, we observed that CTX enhances the production of intracellular ROS and excessive lipid peroxides. Simultaneously, we detected that CTX promotes ferroptosis-based p53/GPX4/SLC7A11 pathway and inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-induced cell death of CC by Western blot.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that chrysotoxine shows promise as a novel medication for treating CC. The findings provide a scientific foundation for the regulation of cervical cancer by chrysotoxine, presenting new insights into the application of traditional Chinese medicine for fighting CC.

Hepatic Iron Overload and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Insights into Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, is rising in global incidence and mortality. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, is strongly linked to metabolic conditions that can progress to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Iron overload (IO), whether inherited or acquired, results in abnormal iron hepatic deposition, significantly impacting MASLD development and progression to HCC. While the pathophysiological connections between hepatic IO, MASLD, and HCC are not fully understood, dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and IO-induced oxidative stress are being investigated as the primary drivers. Genomic analyses of inherited IO conditions reveal inconsistencies in the association of certain mutations with liver malignancies. Moreover, hepatic IO is also associated with hepcidin dysregulation and activation of ferroptosis, representing promising targets for HCC risk assessment and therapeutic intervention. Understanding the relationship between hepatic IO, MASLD, and HCC is essential for advancing clinical strategies against liver disease progression, particularly with recent IO-targeted therapies showing potential at improving liver biochemistry and insulin sensitivity. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the pathophysiological association between hepatic IO and the progression of MASLD to HCC, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis, risk stratification, and targeted treatment for these interconnected conditions.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Inhibitors from Gladiolus Segetum Ker-Gawl Corms Supported by Network Pharmacology

Gladiolus segetum Ker-Gawl corms total extract exhibited remarkable in vitro anti-proliferative effects against panel of cancer cell lines; including human colon carcinoma (Caco-2), human breast cancer (MCF7) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines with IC50 values of 7.4, 9.1 and 11.2 μg/ml, respectively. The total ethanolic extract of G. segetum Ker-Gawl corms was subjected to untargeted metabolomics profiling using LC-HR-ESI-MS, which revealed the presence of various clusters of phytoconstituents as triterpenes, anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolic derivatives. Network pharmacology study was performed for all identified compounds, the formed networks identified 73 intersected genes. The diagrammatic illustration of the top pathways revealed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 K) gene is the effective dominant gene in the top four KEGG pathways. Upon molecular docking and molecular dynamics investigation, kaempferol-3-O-glucopyranoside was suggested to be key anticancer metabolite. Interestingly, cytotoxic investigation of this compound revealed potential activity against the tested cancer cell lines (Caco-2, MCF7 and HepG2) with IC50 values of 6.2, 8.5 and 9.3 μg/ml, respectively. The present study highlighted the potential of G. segetum Ker-Gawl as a promising source of interesting anticancer scaffolds.

Adsorption and desorption behaviors on microporous resins of antioxidant and anti-proliferation polyphenols from European plum

Six macroporous resins (MRs) were employed for the adsorption and desorption of neochlorogenic acid-enriched polyphenols from the European plum (NAPEP). X-5 exhibited the most significant neochlorogenic acid adsorption (99.62 %), desorption (44.80 %), and recovery (44.29 %) rates. The adsorption kinetics were described using a pseudo-second-order model while the Freundlich model indicated that X-5-adsorbing NAPEP was a spontaneous, exothermic process. NAPEP was effectively eluted from X-5 using a 60 % ethanol solution. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) revealed the presence of 21 polyphenol compounds in NAPEP, with chlorogenic acids accounting for 93 % of the overall composition. NAPEP demonstrated antioxidant efficacy comparable to chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, NAPEP administration effectively triggered apoptosis in A549 cells by producing reactive oxygen species, which regulated the AKT pathway. These results indicated that NAPEP could be utilized as an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent in functional foods.

Targeting the mTOR Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products

Despite advancements in cancer treatment through surgery and drugs, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant challenge, as reflected by its low survival rates. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Notably, dysregulation leading to the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway is common in HCC, making it a key focus for in-depth research and a target for current therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream effectors in regulating HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and metabolic reprogramming. Moreover, it emphasizes the potential of natural products as modulators of the mTOR signaling pathway. When incorporated into combination therapies, these natural products have been demonstrated to augment therapeutic efficacy and surmount drug resistance. These products target key signaling pathways such as mTOR signaling pathways. Examples include 11-epi-sinulariolide acetate, matrine, and asparagus polysaccharide. Their inhibitory effects on these processes suggest valuable directions for the development of more effective HCC therapeutic strategies. Various natural products have demonstrated the ability to inhibit mTOR signaling pathway and suppress HCC progression. These phytochemicals, functioning as mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors, hold great promise as potential anti-HCC agents, especially in the context of overcoming chemoresistance and enhancing the outcomes of combination therapies.

Shegan-Mahuang decoction ameliorates cold-induced asthma via regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells through TAS2R10: An in vivo and in vitro study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shegan-Mahuang Decoction (SMD) is a classical formula that has been used to effectively treat cold-induced asthma (CA) for 1800 years. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) play a crucial role in airway remodeling of CA and can be modulated through bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2Rs). Given that SMD contains numerous bitter herbs and TAS2R10 expression in ASMCs remains consistently high, it is pertinent to explore whether SMD regulates ASMCs via TAS2R10 to exert its CA mechanism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the efficacy as well as the potential mechanism of SMD in CA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, experiments in vivo were conducted using the CA rat model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) along with cold stimulation. The effects of SMD and TAS2R10 expression in CA rats were evaluated using the following methods: clinical symptoms, weights, pathological staining, immunofluorescence staining (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB). Assays in vitro including cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), ELISA, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR and WB were performed to investigate potential mechanism of SMD on the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs through upregulation of TAS2R10.

RESULTS

The administration of SMD resulted in a notable improvement in the symptoms, trends in weight, airway inflammation and airway remodeling observed in CA rats with upregulated TAS2R10. Mechanistically, we furtherly confirmed that SMD inhibits p70S6K/CyclinD1 pathway by upregulating TAS2R10. SMD furthermore blocked the G0/G1 phase, suppressed the proliferation and inducted apoptosis in ASMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Erythromycin (EM), a TAS2R10 agonist, can intensify these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

SMD significantly ameliorates CA by upregulating TAS2R10 and inhibiting the p70S6K/CyclinD1 pathway, thereby modulating ASMCs' proliferation and apoptosis. Inspired by the Five Flavors Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this study provides an updated treatment perspective for treating CA.

Inhibitory Effect of Alnustone on Survival and Lung Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Alnustone (Aln) is an effective compound of Alpinia katsumadae Hayata. Aln possesses various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, the inhibitory effect of Aln on colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been identified. Thus, research was conducted to clarify whether Aln can suppress the proliferative and metastatic ability of CRC cells.

METHODS

A cell viability assay was performed to confirm the decrease in CRC cell viability following Aln treatment. Flow cytometry was carried out to evaluate the effects of Aln on cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, a lung metastasis animal model was used to check the inhibitory effect of Aln on the metastasis of CRC cells.

RESULTS

Aln remarkably diminished the viability and colony-forming ability of several CRC cell lines. In addition, Aln led to a halt at the G0/G1 phase through downregulating cyclin D1-CDK4 in CRC cells. The upregulation of LC3B and p62 expression by Aln triggered autophagy of CRC cells. Moreover, Aln promoted mitochondrial depolarization, resulting in apoptosis of CRC cells. Oral administration of Aln significantly restrained the metastasized lung tumor nodules.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that Aln can suppress the survival and lung metastasis of CRC cells by promoting cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis.

A natural inhibitor of diapophytoene desaturase attenuates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pathogenicity and overcomes drug-resistance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

At present, the inhibition of staphyloxanthin biosynthesis has emerged as a prominent strategy in combating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Nonetheless, there remains a limited understanding regarding the bio-structural characteristics of staphyloxanthin biosynthetic enzymes, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between inhibitors and proteins. Furthermore, the functional scope of these inhibitors is relatively narrow.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In this study, we address these limitations by harnessing the power of deep learning techniques to construct the 3D structure of diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN). We perform efficient virtual screening and unveil alnustone as a potent inhibitor of CrtN. Further investigations employing molecular modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and biolayer interferometry (BLI) confirmed that alnustone binds to the catalytic active site of CrtN. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that alnustone significantly down-regulates genes associated with staphyloxanthin, histidine and peptidoglycan biosynthesis.

KEY RESULTS

Under the effects of alnustone, MRSA strains exhibit enhanced sensitivity to various antibiotics and the host immune system, accompanied by increased cell membrane permeability. In a mouse model of systemic MRSA infection, the combination of alnustone and antibiotics exhibited a significant therapeutic effect, leading to reduced bacterial colony counts and attenuated pathological damage.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Alnustone, as a natural inhibitor targeting CrtN, exhibits outstanding antibacterial properties that are single-targeted yet multifunctional. This finding provides a novel strategy and theoretical basis for the development of drugs targeting staphyloxanthin producing bacteria.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present primarily in the cruciferous vegetables. PEITC has exhibited anti-cancer properties in various cancers, including lung, bile duct, and prostate cancers. It has been demonstrated that PEITC can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SK-Hep1 cells, while effectively inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. However, knowledge of its anti-carcinogenic effects on Huh7.5.1 cells and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of PEITC on human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells.

Methods

MTT assay and colony formation assay was performed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of PEITC against Huh7.5.1 cells. The pro-apoptosis effects of PEITC were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay by flow cytometry (FCM), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) measurement, and Caspase-3 activity detection. A DAPI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was conducted to estimate the DNA damage in Huh7.5.1 cells induced by PEITC. Cell cycle progression was determined by FCM. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing migration assay were performed to investigate the impact of PEITC on the migration and invasion of Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of PEITC on HCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data.

Results

MTT assay showed that treatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with PEITC resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability, and colony formation assay further confirmed its anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, we found that PEITC could induce mitochondrial-related apoptotic responses, including a decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, activation of Caspase-3 activity, and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. It was also observed that PEITC caused DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the S-phase in Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PEITC on the migration and invasion ability of Huh7.5.1 cells was assessed. Transcriptome sequencing analysis further suggested that PEITC could activate the typical MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and p53 signaling pathways, revealing the potential mechanism of PEITC in inhibiting the carcinogenic properties of Huh7.5.1 cells.

Conclusion

PEITC exhibits anti-carcinogenic activities against human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways. Our results suggest that PEITC may be useful for the anti-HCC treatment.

Juglone triggers apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer through the reactive oxygen species -mediated PI3K/Akt pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its development. Juglone, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone in J. mandshurica, exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines. However, whether the anticancer activity of juglone is associated with oxidative stress remains unexplored. In this study, mouse Lewis lung cancer (LLC) and human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells were used to explore the anticancer mechanisms of juglone. Juglone inhibited LLC and A549 cells viability, with IC50 values of 10.78 μM and 9.47 μM, respectively, for 24 h, and substantially suppressed the migration and invasion of these two lung cancer cells. Additionally, juglone arrested the cell cycle, induced apoptosis, increased the cleavage of caspase 3 and the protein expression of Bax and Cyt c, and decreased the protein expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3. Furthermore, juglone treatment considerably increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, but suppressed glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. It also inhibited the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which was attenuated by 1,3-diCQA (an activator of PI3K/Akt). Moreover, N-acetylcysteine (a ROS scavenger) partially reversed the positive effects of juglone in terms of migration, invasion, ROS production, apoptosis, and PI3K/Akt pathway-associated protein expression. Finally, in tumor-bearing nude mouse models, juglone inhibited tumor growth without any apparent toxicity and significantly induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that juglone triggers apoptosis via the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, juglone may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of NSCLC.

Albiflorin Alleviates Sepsis-induced Acute Liver Injury through mTOR/p70S6K Pathway

BACKGROUND

Sepsis often induces hepatic dysfunction and inflammation, accounting for a significant increase in the incidence and mortality rates. To this end, albiflorin (AF) has garnered enormous interest due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity. However, the substantial effect of AF on sepsis-mediated acute liver injury (ALI), along with its potential mechanism of action, remains to be explored.

METHODS

An LPS-mediated primary hepatocyte injury cell model in vitro and a mouse model of CLP-mediated sepsis in vivo were initially built to explore the effect of AF on sepsis. Furthermore, the hepatocyte proliferation by CCK-8 assay in vitro and animal survival analyses in vivo for the survival time of mice were carried out to determine an appropriate concentration of AF. Then, flow cytometry, Western blot (WB), and TUNEL staining analyses were performed to investigate the effect of AF on the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Moreover, the expressions of various inflammatory factors by ELISA and RT-qPCR analyses and oxidative stress by ROS, MDA, and SOD assays were determined. Finally, the potential mechanism of AF alleviating the sepsis-mediated ALI via the mTOR/p70S6K pathway was explored through WB analysis.

RESULTS

AF treatment showed a significant increase in the viability of LPS-inhibited mouse primary hepatocytes cells. Moreover, the animal survival analyses of the CLP model mice group indicated a shorter survival time than the CLP+AF group. AF-treated groups showed significantly decreased hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress. Finally, AF exerted an effect by suppressing the mTOR/p70S6K pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, these findings demonstrated that AF could effectively alleviate sepsis-mediated ALI via the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

Synthesis of alnustone-like diarylpentanoids via a 4 + 1 strategy and assessment of their potential anticancer activity

Twelve compounds with a 1,5-diaryl-1-penten-3-one structure were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated. The 1,5-diaryl-1-penten-3-one compounds were obtained via in situ enaminations of 4-phenyl-2-butanone and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone in the presence of pyrrolidine-AcOH, followed by condensation with six different benzaldehydes. The synthesized compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against human glioblastoma (U87-MG), breast (MCF-7), and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines. Some of the novel compounds exhibited remarkable cytotoxic action, especially against MCF-7 cancer cells.

The role of redox-mediated lysosomal dysfunction and therapeutic strategies

Redox homeostasis refers to the dynamic equilibrium between oxidant and reducing agent in the body which plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological activities of the body. The imbalance of redox homeostasis can lead to the development of various human diseases. Lysosomes regulate the degradation of cellular proteins and play an important role in influencing cell function and fate, and lysosomal dysfunction is closely associated with the development of various diseases. In addition, several studies have shown that redox homeostasis plays a direct or indirect role in regulating lysosomes. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of redox homeostasis in the regulation of lysosomal function. Therapeutic strategies based on the regulation of redox exerted to disrupt or restore lysosomal function are further discussed. Uncovering the role of redox in the regulation of lysosomes helps to point new directions for the treatment of many human diseases.

Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges

Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.

A glutathione-sensitive drug delivery system based on carboxymethyl chitosan co-deliver Rose Bengal and oxymatrine for combined cancer treatment

At present, monotherapy of tumor has not met the clinical needs, due to high doses, poor efficacy, and the emergence of drug resistance. Combination therapy can effectively solve these problems, which is a better option for tumor suppression. Based on this, we developed a novel glutathione-sensitive drug delivery nanoparticle system (OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs) for oral cancer treatment. Briefly, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was used as a carrier to simultaneously load Rose Bengal (RB) and oxymatrine (OMT). The OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs prepared by ion crosslinking were spheres with a stable structure. In addition, the nanoparticles can be excited in vitro to generate a large amount of singlet oxygen, which has a good photodynamic effect. In vitro anti-tumor activity study showed that the nanoparticles after the laser enhanced therapeutic efficacy on tumor cells compared with the free drug and exhibited well security. Furthermore, OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs could inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in oxidative stress, and realize tumor apoptosis through mitochondria-related pathways. In conclusion, this combination delivery system for delivering RB and OMT is a safe and effective strategy, which may provide a new avenue for the tumor treatment.

Role of IQ Motif-Containing GTPase-Activating Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating proteins (IQGAPs) are a class of scaffolding proteins, including IQGAP1, IQGAP2, and IQGAP3, which govern multiple cellular activities by facilitating cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular signal transduction. The role of IQGAPs in cancer initiation and progression has received increasing attention in recent years, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where the aberrant expression of IQGAPs is closely related to patient prognosis. IQGAP1 and 3 are upregulated and are considered oncogenes in HCC, while IQGAP2 is downregulated and functions as a tumor suppressor. This review details the three IQGAP isoforms and their respective structures. The expression and role of each protein in different liver diseases and mainly in HCC, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are also presented. This review also provides a reference for further studies on IQGAPs in HCC.