Association of specificity protein 1 with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide, ranking third in cancer mortality rate. While there are promising treatments, including surgery and radiotherapy, there is widespread interest in understanding the biological mechanism of the disease in order to develop more successful treatments. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is a transcription factor that is implicated in the development and spread of HCC. Sp1 influences genetic transcription by binding to specific sites and regions on human genes, such as RING1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1), and more to regulate their genetic expression. The expression of oncogenes, including RYBP, CSE, and RasGRP1, regulated by Sp1 affects HCC tumor growth, metastasis, and cellular differentiation. By understanding the role that Sp1 plays in regulating these human genes, more specific therapies can be developed to target and disable cellular mechanisms that promote HCC tumor growth.