Molecular Profiling of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Numerous studies of human gene function have been launched since the sequencing of the human genome. Global molecular profiling studies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are providing a comprehensive view of the expression changes that occur during the carcinogenic process and are uncovering promising biomarkers with clinical potential. In this chapter, an overview of recent genomic profiling of human HCC is provided along with a summation of the mechanistic, diagnostic, and prognostic significance of these findings. Emerging concepts associated with these studies are also addressed. Current profiling studies, conducted on multiple platforms, are powerful tools, which have provided useful clues to begin to unravel the mechanisms of HCC biology and improve clinical outcome.