Circulating tumor DNA and its role in detection, prognosis and therapeutics of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is considered the fifth most prevalent cancer among all types of cancers and has the third most morbidity value. It has the most frequent duplication time and a high recurrence rate. Recently, the most unique technique used is liquid biopsies, which carry many markers;the most prominent is circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA). Varied methods are used to investigate ctDNA, including various forms of polymerase chain reaction(PCR) [emulsion PCR(ePCR), digital PCR(dPCR), and bead, emulsion, amplification, magnetic(BEAMing) PCR]. Hence ctDNA is being recognized as a potential biomarker that permits early cancer detection,treatment monitoring, and predictive data on tumor burden are subjective to therapy or surgery. Numerous ctDNA biomarkers have been investigated based on their alterations such as 1) single nucleotide variations(either insertion or deletion of a nucleotide) markers including TP53, KRAS, and CCND1;2) copy number variations which include markers such as CDK6, EFGR, MYC and BRAF;3) DNA methylation(RASSF1A, SEPT9, KMT2C and CCNA2);4) homozygous mutation includes ctDNA markers as CDKN2A, AXIN1;and 5) gain or loss of function of the genes, particularly for HCC. Various researchers have conducted many studies and gotten fruitful results.Still, there are some drawbacks to ctDNA namely low quantity, fragment heterogeneity, less stability, limited mutant copies and standards, and differential sensitivity. However, plenty of investigations demonstrate ctDNA's significance as a polyvalent biomarker for cancer and can be viewed as a future diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic agent. This article overviews many conditions in genetic changes linked to the onset and development of HCC, such as dysregulated signaling pathways, somatic mutations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and genomic instability. Additionally, efforts are also made to develop treatments for HCC that are molecularly targeted and to unravel some of the genetic pathways that facilitate its early identification.

Multifaceted roles of extracellular RNAs in different diseases

Extracellular RNAs(exRNAs) are novel circulating factors that can be used as biomarkers in various diseases. Their unique and diverse kinds, as well as their role as biomarkers, make them significant biomarkers. There has been immense work carried out since the discovery of exRNAs in circulation and other biological fluids to catalog and determine whether exRNAs may be utilized as indicators for health and illness. In this review, we aim to understand the current state of exRNAs in relation to various diseases and their potential as biomarkers. We will also review current issues and challenges faced in using exRNAs, with clinical and lab trials, that can be used as viable markers for different diseases.

Mini-organs with big impact:Organoids in liver cancer studies

Hepatocellular carcinoma,the most common primary liver cancer and a leading cause of death,is a difficult disease to treat due to its heterogeneous nature.Traditional models,such as 2D culture and patient-derived xenografts,have not proven effective.However,the development of 3D culture techniques,such as organoids,which can mimic the tumor microenvironment(TME)and preserve heterogeneity and pathophysiological properties of tumor cells,offers new opportunities for treatment and research.Organoids also have the potential for biomarker detection and personalized medication,as well as genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 to study the behavior of certain genes and therapeutic interventions.This review explores to-the-date development of organoids with a focus on TME modeling in 3D organoid cultures.Further,it discusses gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in organoids,the challenges faced,and the prospects in the field of organoids.

Sirtl regulates testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells via modulating autophagy

Dear Editor,Steroid hormones are crucial signal molecules that regulate a large number of physiological and developmental pro-cesses.Testosterone is the key steroid hormone required for the development of male characteristics and also supports the physiology of the male reproductive system(Sinclair et al.,2015).Testosterone is primarily produced by the Leydig cells residing in the testicular interstitium.The cholesterol acts as a substrate for the biosynthesis of testosterone.Since steroidogenic cells are capable of stor-ing only very ltte hormone,rapid synthesis of hormone requires the mobilization of the precursor cholesterol,chiefly stored as intracellular lipid droplets(LDs)(Danielsen et al.,2016).Leydig cells are the major sites to produce testos-terone,there are extremely active autophagy in them,and a decline in steroidogenesis has also been associated with the decline of autophagic flow.Moreover,the disruption of autophagy leads to decreased intracellular LDs,and there-fore affects testosterone synthesis in the Leydig cells(Danielsen et al..2016;Gao et al,2018).