CD44 upregulation in chronic liver disease marks the transition to hepatocellular carcinoma and portends poor prognosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often arises from chronic liver disease, but early biomarkers of malignant transformation are lacking. CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein with multiple isoforms, has been implicated in cancer progression and immune modulation.

Methods

We analysed CD44 expression in mouse models of chronic and acute liver injury and assessed its clinical relevance in human HCC using bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets.

Results

CD44 and its isoforms v6 and v10 were progressively upregulated in chronic liver injury, peaking in HCC. CD44-positive hepatocytes increased with fibrosis severity and were abundant in murine liver tumours. In human HCC, CD44 expression was significantly elevated compared to non-tumorous liver and was associated

SUBMITTER: Dong R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858952 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature