Delineation of a SMARCA4-specific competing endogenous RNA network and its function in hepatocellular carcinoma

Core Tip

Core Tip: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, and the mortality rate continues to rise each year. SMARCA4 expression has been associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer; however, the specific mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in HCC needs to be fully elucidated. To date, only few studies have successfully elucidated the mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in the progression of HCC. In the present study, we aimed to establish a SMARCA4-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by mapping and analyzing the transcription profiles of SMARCA4 in HCC. we observed the overexpression of SMARCA4 in different pathways. Additionally, the overexpression of SMARCA4 was correlated to an increased immune cell infiltration and an augmented sensitivity to immunotherapy. Furthermore, a novel SMARCA4 ceRNA network (SNHG3/THUMP3-AS1-miR-139-5p-SMARCA4) was established in this study. This study could contribute towards the identification of predictive markers for immunotherapy and a novel mechanism of action for HCC treatment.