Role of long noncoding RNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs) and micro RNAs(mi RNAs) are noncoding RNAs(nc RNAs) that occupy over 90% of the human genome, and their main function is to directly or indirectly regulate messenger RNA(m RNA) expression and participate in the tumorigenesis and progression of malignances. In particular, some lnc RNAs can interact with mi RNAs as competing endogenous RNAs(ce RNAs) to modulate m RNA expression. Accordingly, these RNA molecules are interrelated and coordinate to form a dynamic lnc RNA-mediated ce RNA regulatory network. Mounting evidence has revealed that lnc RNAs that act as ce RNAs are closely related to tumorigenesis. To date, numerous studies have established many different regulatory networks in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), and perturbations in these ce RNA interactions may result in the initiation and progression of HCC. Herein, we emphasize recent advances concerning the biological function of lnc RNAs as ce RNAs in HCC, with the aim of elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying these HCC-related RNA molecules and providing novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.