TBX3 functions as a tumor suppressor downstream of activated CTNNB1 mutants during hepatocarcinogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Gain of function (GOF) mutations in the CTNNB1 gene are one of the most frequent genetic events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) is a liver-specific target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and thought to be an oncogene mediating activated β-catenin-driven HCC formation.

Methods

We evaluated the expression pattern of TBX3 in human HCC specimens. Tbx3 was conditionally knocked out in murine HCC models by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of Cre together with c-Met and ΔN90-β-catenin (c-Met/β-catenin) in Tbx3^flox/flox mice. TBX3 was overexpressed in human HCC cell lines to investigate the functions of TBX3 in vitro.

Results

A bimodal expression pattern of TBX3 in human HCC samples was detected: high expression

SUBMITTER: Liang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8217095 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature