FEN1 upregulation mediated by SUMO2 via antagonizing proteasomal degradation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness.

Purpose: Metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) critically impacts the survival prognosis of patients, with the pivotal role of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in initiating invasive metastatic behaviors. The Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is delineated as a metallonuclease, quintessential for myriad cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA synthesis, DNA damage rectification, Okazaki fragment maturation, baseexcision repair, and the preservation of genomic stability. Furthermore, it has been recognized as an oncogene in a diverse range of malignancies.