HBV X Protein Induces Degradation of UBXN7, a Novel Negative Regulator of NF-κB Signaling, to Promote HBV Replication

The oncogenic role of hepatitis B virus X gene in hepatocarcinogenesis: recent updates

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancers with high mortality rate. Among its various etiological factors, one of the major risk factors for HCC is a chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV X protein (HBx) has been identified to play an important role in the HBV-induced HCC pathogenesis since it may interfere with several key regulators of many cellular processes. HBx localization within the cells may be beneficial to HBx multiple functions at different phases of HBV infection and associated hepatocarcinogenesis. HBx as a regulatory protein modulates cellular transcription, molecular signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, protein degradation pathways, and host genetic stability via interaction with various factors, including its association with various non-coding RNAs. A better understanding on the regulatory mechanism of HBx on various characteristics of HCC would provide an overall picture of HBV-associated HCC. This article addresses recent data on HBx role in the HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.

Exploring the role of ubiquitin regulatory X domain family proteins in cancers: bioinformatics insights, mechanisms, and implications for therapy

UBXD family (UBXDF), a group of proteins containing ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX) domains, play a crucial role in the imbalance of proliferation and apoptotic in cancer. In this study, we summarised bioinformatics proof on multi-omics databases and literature on UBXDF's effects on cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Fas-associated factor 1 (FAF1) has the largest number of gene alterations in the UBXD family and has been linked to survival and cancer progression in many cancers. UBXDF may affect tumour microenvironment (TME) and drugtherapy and should be investigated in the future. We also summarised the experimental evidence of the mechanism of UBXDF in cancer, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as its application in clinical and targeted drugs. We compared bioinformatics and literature to provide a multi-omics insight into UBXDF in cancers, review proof and mechanism of UBXDF effects on cancers, and prospect future research directions in-depth. We hope that this paper will be helpful for direct cancer-related UBXDF studies.

Role of hepatitis B virus non-structural protein HBx on HBV replication, interferon signaling, and hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatitis B, a global health concern caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), infects nearly 2 billion individuals worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). HBV, a hepatotropic DNA virus, predominantly targets and replicates within hepatocytes. Those carrying the virus are at increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in nearly 900,000 fatalities annually. The HBV X protein (HBx), encoded by the virus's open reading frame x, plays a key role in its virulence. This protein is integral to viral replication, immune modulation, and liver cancer progression. Despite its significance, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying HBx remain elusive. This review investigates the HBx protein's roles in HBV replication, interferon signaling regulation, and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. By understanding the complex interactions between the virus and its host mediated by HBx, we aim to establish a solid foundation for future research and the development of HBx-targeted therapeutics.