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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Clinical significance of mitofusin-2 and its signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

Authors: Yingsheng Wu, Dongkai Zhou, Xiaobo Xu, Xinyi Zhao, Pengfei Huang, Xiaohu Zhou, Wei Song, Hua Guo, Weilin Wang, Shusen Zheng

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

The mitochondrial GTPase mitofusin-2 (MFN2) gene encodes a mitochondrial membrane protein that can induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as validated in our previous research. However, little is known of the clinical significance of MFN2 expression and its signaling pathways in HCC.

Methods

MFN2 mRNA expression in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 115 patients with HCC was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The association of the MFN2 mRNA expression level with clinical and pathological parameters was evaluated statistically, while a comparative microarray analysis was used to identify MFN2 signaling pathways in HepG2 cells.

Results

MFN2 was significantly (p < 0.0001) downregulated in HCC tissues. Low MFN2 expression was significantly correlated with sex and preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (p < 0.05). Both a Kaplan–Meier survival curve and multivariate analyses showed that MFN2 was related to overall survival. A comparative gene expression microarray revealed 211 upregulated (58 %) and 153 downregulated (42 %) genes. Eighteen pathways were identified as the most significant pathways correlated with MFN2.

Conclusions

Low MFN2 expression in HCC indicated a worse overall survival. Crucial signaling molecules such as PI3K-AKT, cytokine receptor, and focal adhesion may participate in MFN2-mediated signaling pathway changes in HCC.

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Title: Clinical significance of mitofusin-2 and its signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yingsheng Wu
Dongkai Zhou
Xiaobo Xu
Xinyi Zhao
Pengfei Huang
Xiaohu Zhou
Wei Song
Hua Guo
Weilin Wang
Shusen Zheng
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-016-0922-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clinical significance of mitofusin-2 and its signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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