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Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology

Published in:

01-01-2008 | Original Paper

Overexpression of myocyte enhancer factor 2 and histone hyperacetylation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Authors: XueLi Bai, LiHua Wu, TingBo Liang, ZhiQiang Liu, JunJian Li, DongLin Li, HaiYang Xie, ShengYong Yin, Jun Yu, Qi Lin, ShuSen Zheng

Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Purpose

It has been indicated that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play key roles on the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential mechanism in it.

Methods

Activation of HSCs, the expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), class II histone deacetylases (II HDACs) and histone acetylation were analyzed in specimens of primary HCCs, cirrhotic and normal livers. Activated HSCs were identified using anti-a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of expression of MEF2A, MEF2C and II HDACs mRNA and protein were measured by real time quantitative PCR and western blot (WB). Histone acetylation was assessed using anti-acetyl-histone H3, -H4 by WB and IHC. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A-SMA positive activated HSCs were more prominent in HCCs and cirrhotic livers than in normal livers, accompanied by marked expression of MEF2A and MEF2C. The expression of MEF2A, MEF2C and II HDACs, both mRNA and protein, were much more enhanced in HCCs than those in cirrhotic and normal livers (P < 0.05). Histone H3 and H4 were hyperacetylated in HCCs compared with those in cirrhotic and normal livers (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between the expression of MEF2 and II HDACs, acetyl-histones were all beyond 0.5.

Conclusions

These data showed a potential molecular mechanism that activated HSCs participate in the pathogenesis of HCCs by overexpression of MEF2 and its consequent impact on histone hyperacetylation. Further investigations aimed at interfering MEF2 expression are needed.

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Title: Overexpression of myocyte enhancer factor 2 and histone hyperacetylation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: XueLi Bai
LiHua Wu
TingBo Liang
ZhiQiang Liu
JunJian Li
DongLin Li
HaiYang Xie
ShengYong Yin
Jun Yu
Qi Lin
ShuSen Zheng
Publication date: 01-01-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-007-0252-7

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Overexpression of myocyte enhancer factor 2 and histone hyperacetylation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

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