Fig. 8: Proposed mechanism by which RPLP2 regulates glycolytic reprogramming and HCC progression.

RPLP2 is secreted into the extracellular space and binds to the TLR4 receptor by autocrine signalling, activating the downstream PI3K/AKT cascade reaction and upregulating the expression of HIF-1α and its entry into the nucleus. HIF-1α increases the transcription level of glycolysis-related enzymes and glucose transporters, promoting glycolytic reprogramming and HCC progression.