Research Progress on Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential of PTEN in Liver Diseases

HU Quandong1^,2*, LI Meijing³, ZHOU Bin¹, JIN Sihao¹, ZHANG Zhe¹

(¹Medical School of Shaoxing Vocational & Technical College, Shaoxing 312000, China; ²Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; ³Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai 264000, China)

Abstract:

As a key negative regulator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, PTEN plays a central role in the occurrence and development of a variety of liver diseases through its lipid phosphatase activity and epigenetic regulation mechanism (including m6A modification, acetylation and PTEN-L subtype). This article reviews the regu latory mechanisms of PTEN in acute liver injury, hepatitis, MAFLD (metabolic fatty liver disease), liver fibrosis and HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) focusing on its regulatory effects on oxidative stress, immune response, lipid me tabolism and tumor microenvironment. Based on the existing evidence, gene therapy, activity regulation and targeted delivery strategies targeting PTEN provide a new direction for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2026.03.0022