CPEB4 regulation of vasculogenic mimicry in liver cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

[eng] BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its complex vascular abnormalities and the regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor progression. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a neovascularization process where cancer cells form vessel-like structures, remains poorly understood in HCC. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) is a critical regulator of mRNA translation. This study aims to elucidate the role of CPEB4 in VM and its potential impact on resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies in HCC. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research were (1) to investigate the capacity of liver cancer cells to perform VM both in vitro and in vivo. (2) To explore the role and underlying mechanisms of CPEB4 in regulating VM. (3) To determine whether CPEB4 affects the pro-angiogenic profile of liver cancer cells. (4) To assess the role of VM in mediating resistance to anti-angiogenic the