Significance of nucleologenesis, ribogenesis, and nucleolar proteome in the pathogenesis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Emerging evidence suggests that enhanced ribosome biogenesis, increased size, and quantitative distribution of nucleoli are associated with dysregulated transcription, which in turn drives a cell into aberrant cellular proliferation and malignancy. Nucleolar alterations have been considered a prognostic histological marker for aggressive tumors. More recently, advancements in the understanding of chromatin network (nucleoplasm viscosity) regulated liquid-liquid phase separation mechanism of nucleolus formation and their multifunctional role shed light on other regulatory processes, apart from ribosomal biogenesis of the nucleolus.

AREAS COVERED

Using hepatocellular carcinoma as a model to study the role of nucleoli in tumor progression, we review the potential of nucleolus coalescence in the onset and development of tumors through non-ribosomal biogenesis pathways, thereby providing new avenues for early diagnosis and cancer therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Molecular-based classifications have failed to identify the nucleolar-based molecular targets that facilitate cell-cycle progression. However, the algorithm-based tumor risk identification with high-resolution medical images suggests prominent nucleoli, karyotheca, and increased nucleus/cytoplasm ratio as largely associated with tumor recurrence. Nonetheless, the role of the non-ribosomal functions of nucleoli in tumorigenesis remains elusive. This clearly indicates the lacunae in the study of the nucleolar proteins pertaining to cancer. [Figure: see text].