Liquid-liquid phase separation and post-transcriptional regulation intersection: A new paradigm of RNA-binding protein condensates in hepatocellular carcinoma malignant phenotypes (Review)
- 1Department of General Internal Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- 2Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) enables RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to assemble into dynamic biomolecular condensates that influence post-transcriptional regulation. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), these condensates may alter RNA processing and stability. They can also influence transcript localization and translational output. Through these effects, RBP condensates may contribute to tumor growth and metastatic progression. They may further support metabolic adaptation, immune evasion and resistance to therapy. The present review focuses on the intersection between LLPS and post-transcriptional regulation in HCC. In addition, the present review critically assessed current evidence for RBP condensate function and distinguish direct HCC findings from mechanistic extrapolation. Unresolved questions regarding causality and clinical translation were also discussed. This framework may help clarify how condensate biology contributes to HCC and where therapeutic opportunities remain.
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BibTeX
@article{liu2026liquidliquid,
title = {{Liquid-liquid phase separation and post-transcriptional regulation intersection: A new paradigm of RNA-binding protein condensates in hepatocellular carcinoma malignant phenotypes (Review)}},
author = {Xiao Liu and Yunyi Huang},
journal = {Molecular Medicine Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3892/mmr.2026.14049},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2026.14049},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Liquid-liquid phase separation and post-transcriptional regulation intersection: A new paradigm of RNA-binding protein condensates in hepatocellular carcinoma malignant phenotypes (Review)
AU - Xiao Liu
AU - Yunyi Huang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Molecular Medicine Reports
DO - 10.3892/mmr.2026.14049
UR - https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2026.14049
AB - Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) enables RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to assemble into dynamic biomolecular condensates that influence post-transcriptional regulation. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), these condensates may alter RNA processing and stability. They can also influence transcript localization and translational output. Through these effects, RBP condensates may contribute to tumor growth and metastatic progression. They may further support metabolic adaptation, immune evasion and resistance to therapy. The present review focuses on the intersection between LLPS and post-transcriptional regulation in HCC. In addition, the present review critically assessed current evidence for RBP condensate function and distinguish direct HCC findings from mechanistic extrapolation. Unresolved questions regarding causality and clinical translation were also discussed. This framework may help clarify how condensate biology contributes to HCC and where therapeutic opportunities remain.
SN - 1791-2997
SN - 1791-3004
ER -