Mitochondrial mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas and fibrolamellar carcinomas.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial mutations are well documented in hepatocellular carcinoma, but their role in carcinogenesis remains unclear. To clarify their significance, a comprehensive analysis was performed of hepatocellular carcinomas (N=24), including quantifying the total mitochondrial DNA levels, quantifying the levels of mitochondrial DNA with the common deletion, and complete sequencing of the mitochondrial control region. In addition, these studies were expanded and reinforced by analysis of fibrolamellar carcinomas (N=15), a unique type of liver carcinoma that has increased numbers of mitochondria on electron microscopy. Overall, approximately 50% of hepatocellular carcinomas had lower levels of total mitochondrial DNA than paired non-neoplastic tissues. Interestingly, despite their increased nu

SUBMITTER: Vivekanandan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2879444 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature