Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major malignant tumors that lead to death. Chronic hepatitis B
virus infection is an important risk factor for HCC initiation. HBx protein, encoded by the HBV X gene, is a
significant factor that promotes HBV-related HCC, although the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear.
This article summarizes the pathological roles and related mechanisms of HBx in HCC. HBx plays a carcinogenic role by promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis in HCC. A
detailed study of the biological functions of HBx will help to elucidate the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis
and lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of HBV-related HCC.
Cite This Article
Xu, Q., Gu, S., Liang, J., Lin, Z., Zheng, S. et al. (2019). The Biological Function of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Oncology Research, 27(4), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.3727/096504018X15278771272963