Gene expression profiling of preneoplastic liver disease and liver cancer: a new era for improved early detection and treatment of these deadly diseases?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-step process associated with changes in gene expression. Currently, several technologies enable global gene expression profiling. The number of studies to probe global gene expression profiles of HCC or preneoplastic chronic liver diseases has increased exponentially in recent years. These studies have quickly provided rich information and some additional clues to the genesis of liver cancer. The application of gene expression profiling to preneoplastic liver diseases and HCC is growing in importance and practicality. In this commentary, we review the recent advances in the utilization of global gene expression profiling to liver cancer, which have provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCC. We have also discussed the problems related to these new technologies, as well as their contributions and implications. By recognizing the shortcomings, we can reassess our current approaches, which allow us to better design and analyze global gene expression-based experiments. These new approaches will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis.