Our research objectives concern the development of hepatocellular carcinoma induced or not by viruses. Experimental approaches are based on hepatic stem cells and the study of genetic/epigenetic mechanisms implicated in early stages of cancer development with particular attention on Wnt, TP53, TP73 and NFKB. Concerning the role of hepatitis B and delta we have a particular interest for the study of HBx properties and role in carcinogenesis and HBV replication. Moreover, we are developping several phylogenetic and epidemiologic studies on HBV and HDV isolates from different geographical areas where HCC incidence is high.