Project description:To identify the molecular mechanisms and environmental inducers contributing to reprogramming of hepatocytes into progenitors in HCC context, we used the HepaRG cell line as model.
Project description:HepaRG cell, a stabilized bipotent liver progenitor cell line, exhibits hepatocyte functions only after differentiation. However, the mechanism of transition from non-differentiated to differentiated states, accompanied by proliferation and migration, is poorly understood. Little information exists for proteins involved in this process, particularly those residing in the plasma membrane. In this study, the plasma membrane protein expression change of HepaRG cell before and after differentiation were systematically analyzed using an iTRAQ labeled quantitative membrane proteomics approach. A total of 70 membrane proteins were identified to be differentially expressed. Function and disease clustering analysis showed that 11 of these proteins are involved in migration. Two key factors (MMP-14 and OCLN) were validated by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Blockade of MMP-14, an extracellular matrix metalloprotease, by monoclonal antibody in a wound healing assay further demonstrated the importance of this protein in tumor cell migration. Even further, the MMP-14 expression correlation with HCC is confirmed by HCC cell lines and tissue samples.
Project description:The aim of this experiment is to determine the similarities and differences between gene expression profiles in HepaRG cells versus primary human hepatocytes, human liver, and the commonly used HepG2 cell. We compared the gene expression profiles from replicate triplicate biological samples of human liver, primary human hepatocytes, HepG2 cells, and HepaRG at differing levels of maturity (differentiated and undifferentiated).
