SLC38A4 functions as a tumour suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma through modulating Wnt/β-catenin/MYC/HMGCS2 axis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many molecular alterations are shared by embryonic liver development and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identifying the common molecular events would provide a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Methods

Expression levels and clinical relevancies of SLC38A4 and HMGCS2 were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, TCGA and GEO datasets. The biological roles of SLC38A4 were investigated by functional assays. The downstream signalling pathway of SLC38A4 was investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assay, TCGA and GEO datasets.

Results

SLC38A4 silencing was identified as an oncofetal molecular event. DNA hypermethylation contributed to the downregulations of Slc38a4/SLC38A4 in the foetal liver and HCC.

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8438090 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature