Emerging role of SHARPIN in hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death, especially in less economically developed regions. Despite recent progress in the diagnosis and therapy of HCC, the long-term survival rate of HCC patients is unacceptably low, in part due to the frequent development of vascular invasion or distant metastasis. The cellular functions of shank-associated RH domain-interacting protein (SHARPIN, also known as SIPL1) include the regulation of inflammation, apoptosis, immune signaling, and cell motility. SHARPIN is up-regulated in various types of cancers including HCC and has been implicated in the genesis and progression of malignant tumors, but its exact role in tumorigenesis is largely unknown. Here we present evidence supporting a role for SHARPIN in HCC invasion and progression. We also discuss the potential of SHARPIN and related genes as therapeutic targets for this currently incurable cancer.