A transcriptional-microRNA network for β-catenin-driven stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma

Wnt/β-catenin pathway is important in maintaining stemness of embryonic, adult and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in various organs including liver. However, the mechanisms underlying its deregulation in liver CSCs are poorly understood. Ma and colleagues have recently demonstrated that Oct4/microRNA-1246 signaling axis activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a subset of liver CSCs, providing a mechanistic basis for future diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic developments.