Lu Xuejin, Zhu Meizi, Pei Xingyue, Ma Jinhu, Wang Rui, Wang Yi, Chen Shuwen, Yan Yan, Zhu Yaling
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Cancer Cell Int. 2025 Jan 7;25(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s12935-024-03599-5.
Super-enhancers (SEs) represent a distinct category of cis-regulatory elements notable for their robust transcriptional activation capabilities. In tumor cells, SEs intricately regulate the expression of oncogenes and pivotal cancer-associated signaling pathways, offering significant potential for cancer treatment. However, few studies have systematically discussed the crucial role of SEs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is one of the most common liver cancers with late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment methods for advanced disease. Herein, we first summarize the identification methods and the intricate processes of formation and organization of super-enhancers. Subsequently, we delve into the roles and molecular mechanisms of SEs within the framework of HCC. Finally, we discuss the inhibitors targeting the key SE-components and their potential effects on the treatment of HCC. In conclusion, this review meticulously encapsulates the distinctive characteristics of SEs and underscores their pivotal roles in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma, presenting a novel perspective on the potential of super-enhancers as emerging therapeutic targets for HCC.
超级增强子（SEs）代表了一类独特的顺式调控元件，以其强大的转录激活能力而闻名。在肿瘤细胞中，超级增强子复杂地调控癌基因的表达以及关键的癌症相关信号通路，为癌症治疗提供了巨大潜力。然而，很少有研究系统地讨论超级增强子在肝细胞癌（HCC）中的关键作用，肝细胞癌是最常见的肝癌之一，晚期诊断且晚期疾病的治疗方法有限。在此，我们首先总结超级增强子的识别方法及其形成和组织的复杂过程。随后，我们深入探讨超级增强子在肝细胞癌框架内的作用和分子机制。最后，我们讨论靶向关键超级增强子成分的抑制剂及其对肝细胞癌治疗的潜在影响。总之，本综述精心概括了超级增强子的独特特征，并强调了它们在肝细胞癌背景下的关键作用，为超级增强子作为肝细胞癌新兴治疗靶点的潜力提供了新的视角。
