AUF1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and chemo-resistance by post-transcriptionally upregulating alpha-fetoprotein expression.

Background: The target genes of AU-rich Element RNA-binding Protein 1 (AUF1), which is an RNA binding protein, and its role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still elusive. This study aims to investigate the biological function and the underlying target genes of AUF1 in HCC.

Methods: RNA sequencing data and the Liver Cancer Institute (LCI) database were used to screen candidate targets of AUF1.