Novel lncRNA Signature (UFC1/PTENP1) as a Molecular Biomarker for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Egyptian Cohort

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Hassan M.; Abdelsalam L.; Behery A.K.; Elnahas R.F.

Journal: Current Issues in Molecular Biology

Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Publication Date: 29 March 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 48 / Issue 4

Article No.: 360

ISSN: 14673037

DOI: 10.3390/cimb48040360

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Hassan M., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Abdelsalam L., Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt; Behery A.K., Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt; Elnahas R.F., Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and play critical roles in cancer-related signaling networks. Dysregulation of antagonistic lncRNAs may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis and disease progression. This study investigated the clinical significance and predictive value of two biologically antagonistic lncRNAs, UFC1 and PTENP1, as circulating biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an Egyptian cohort. Expression levels of these lncRNAs were quantified in 100 HCC patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. UFC1 was significantly upregulated (~2.9-fold), while PTENP1 was markedly downregulated (~4-fold) in HCC patients, with a strong inverse correlation (r = −0.609, p < 0.001). Both lncRNAs demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy compared to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); combining them with AFP further enhanced overall performance. UFC1 expression was increased progressively with advancing fibrosis grade and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, while PTENP1 levels diminished with BCLC stage. Logistic regression confirmed UFC1 as an independent risk factor and PTENP1 as a protective factor for HCC. In conclusion, the blood-based UFC1/PTENP1 panel exhibits promising diagnostic accuracy and is associated with disease severity, surpassing AFP. Their fibrosis-associated dysregulation suggests a role in early hepatocarcinogenesis. This antagonistic lncRNA signature represents a potential, non-invasive tool for HCC detection and risk stratification, meriting further clinical validation. © 2026 by the authors.

Keywords

biomarker; diagnosis; Egyptian cohort; fibrosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; long non-coding RNA (lncRNA); prognosis; PTENP1; UFC1; alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; alpha fetoprotein; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; biological marker; creatinine; glucose; hemoglobin; long untranslated RNA; microRNA; Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Pseudogene 1; protein; prothrombin; ubiquitin fold modifier conjugating enzyme 1; unclassified drug; abdominal ultrasound; adult; area under the curve; Article; benign liver tumor; blood cell count; cancer growth; cancer patient; cancer prognosis; cancer staging; cancer survival; cancer tissue; carcinogenesis; case control study; chronic liver disease; cohort analysis; colorectal cancer; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; disease exacerbation; disease severity; fatty liver; female; follow up; gene expression; histology; histopathology; human; human tissue; hypertension; immunohistochemistry; liver cancer; liver carcinogenesis; liver fibrosis; liver function; logistic regression analysis; major clinical study; male; overall survival; platelet count; predictive value; protein expression; real time polymerase chain reaction; receiver operating characteristic; risk factor; RNA extraction; sensitivity and specificity; treatment response; tumor volume; ultrasound

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

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