AUTHOR=Qin Xian-Yang , Gailhouste Luc 

TITLE=Non-Genomic Control of Dynamic MYCN Gene Expression in Liver Cancer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2020.618515

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2020.618515

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=<p>Upregulated <italic>MYCN</italic> gene expression is restricted to specialized cell populations such as EpCAM<sup>+</sup> cancer stem cells in liver cancer, regardless of DNA amplification and mutation. Here, we reviewed the role of <italic>MYCN</italic> gene expression in liver homeostasis, regeneration, and tumorigenesis, and discussed the potential non-genomic mechanisms involved in controlling <italic>MYCN</italic> gene expression in liver cancer, with a focus on inflammation-mediated signal transduction and microRNA-associated post-transcriptional regulation. We concluded that dynamic <italic>MYCN</italic> gene expression is an integrated consequence of multiple signals in the tumor microenvironment, including tumor growth-promoting signals, lipid desaturation-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress adaptation signals, and tumor suppressive miRNAs, making it a potential predictive biomarker of tumor stemness and plasticity. Therefore, understanding and tracing the dynamic changes and functions of <italic>MYCN</italic> gene expression will shed light on the origin of liver tumorigenesis at the cellular level and the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for liver cancer treatment.</p>