A Comprehensive Understanding of DCTPP1 as an Emerging Therapeutic Target in Liver Cancer.

Balanced control of intracellular deoxyribonucleoside-triphosphate (dNTP) pools is crucial for accurate DNA replication and genome stability. Deoxycytidine triphosphate pyrophosphatase 1 (DCTPP1) is a cytosolic nucleotide-sanitizing enzyme that selectively hydrolyzes abnormal cytosine-derived triphosphates to maintain pyrimidine pool homeostasis. Dysregulated DCTPP1 expression disrupts this balance, leading to replication stress and genomic instability. Recent studies have revealed that DCTPP1 is frequently upregulated across various human cancers and contributes to tumor progression, stress tolerance, and chemoresistance. Particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma, an oncogenic DCTPP1/MYC feedback loop has been reported to rewire pyrimidine metabolism. This review summarizes the current understanding of DCTPP1 biology, highlights its emerging role in hepatocellular carcinoma, and discusses its potential therapeutic implications.