ADAR1p150 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting pre-neoplastic inflammation

Our study identifies ADAR1p150 as a key regulator that modulates the immune landscape during the pre-neoplastic phase of hepatocarcinogenesis. While moderate inflammation facilitates tumor initiation, ADAR1p150 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by restraining pre-neoplastic inflammation, thereby limiting the establishment of a tumor-permissive microenvironment. Mechanistically, ADAR1p150 upregulates THBS2 and NRP1 to remodel the immune microenvironment, and clinically, its immunomodulatory effect correlates with improved survival in inflammation-driven HCC. Together, these findings position ADAR1p150 as a protective modulator during the inflammation-to-cancer transition in the liver.