Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the intestine and enhances colorectal carcinogenesis in vivo

Our study demonstrates that HBx accelerates tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro, driving DNA damage and mesenchymal transformation. Importantly, HBx was found to dynamically modify epithelial cells to become cancer stem cells, with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and potentially aggressive invasiveness.

Furthermore, HBx positivity was found in patients with colitis-associated cancer, hence underscoring its potential as a cancer risk predictor. These findings bridge the gap between UC pathogenesis and malignancy, offering a foundation for improved clinical decision-making and personalized therapies to mitigate complications in UC.