Transforming growth factor‐beta signaling promotes hepatocarcinogenesis induced by p53 loss

Shelli M. Morris, Ji Yeon Baek, Amanda Koszarek, Samornmas Kanngurn, Sue E. Knoblaugh, William M. Grady – 2 September 2011 – Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from the accumulation of deregulated tumor suppressor genes and/or oncogenes in hepatocytes. Inactivation of TP53 and inhibition of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) signaling are among the most common molecular events in human liver cancers. Thus, we assessed whether inactivation of TGF‐β signaling, by deletion of the TGF‐β receptor, type II (Tgfbr2), cooperates with Trp53 loss to drive HCC formation.

Persistent elevation of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitors in cholangiopathies affects liver fibrosis and differentiation

Hsiang‐Po Huang, Mei‐Hwei Chang, Yi‐Tzu Chen, Hong‐Yuan Hsu, Cheng‐Lun Chiang, Tai‐Shan Cheng, Yao‐Ming Wu, Mu Zon Wu, Yu‐Chen Hsu, Chih‐Che Shen, Chun‐Nan Lee, Ya‐Hui Chuang, Chia‐Lun Hong, Yung‐Ming Jeng, Pin‐Hsun Chen, Huey‐Ling Chen, Ming‐Shyue Lee – 2 September 2011 – Alteration of cell surface proteolysis has been proposed to play a role in liver fibrosis, a grave complication of biliary atresia (BA). In this study we investigated the roles of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor (HAI)‐1 and ‐2 in the progression of BA.

MicroRNA‐194 is a target of transcription factor 1 (Tcf1, HNF1α) in adult liver and controls expression of frizzled‐6

Jan Krützfeldt, Nora Rösch, Jean Hausser, Muthiah Manoharan, Mihaela Zavolan, Markus Stoffel – 1 September 2011 – Transcription factor 1 (Tcf1; hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α [HNF1α]) is critical for hepatocyte development and function. Whether Tcf1 also regulates hepatic microRNAs (miRNAs) has not been investigated yet. Here we analyzed Tcf1‐dependent miRNA expression in adult mice in which this transcription factor had been genetically deleted (Tcf1−/−) using miRNA microarray analysis. The miR‐192/‐194 cluster was markedly down‐regulated in liver of Tcf1−/− mice.

Effects of the liver volume and donor steatosis on errors in the estimated standard liver volume

Rohan Chaminda Siriwardana, See Ching Chan, Kenneth Siu Ho Chok, Chung Mau Lo, Sheung Tat Fan – 30 August 2011 – An accurate assessment of donor and recipient liver volumes is essential in living donor liver transplantation. Many liver donors are affected by mild to moderate steatosis, and steatotic livers are known to have larger volumes. This study analyzes errors in liver volume estimation by commonly used formulas and the effects of donor steatosis on these errors. Three hundred twenty‐five Asian donors who underwent right lobe donor hepatectomy were the subjects of this study.

Subscribe to