Research progress in microRNA and hepatocellular carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous, short, non-coding RNAs, and play key roles in a broad range of biological processes, including embryogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis as well as carcinogenesis. Recent evidences indicate that microRNAs can pair with 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs resulting in the post-transcriptionally regulation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe disease threatening human life and health. Elucidation of the functions of miRNAs in HCC progression may open a novel avenue to understand the molecule mechanism for HCC.