Enhanced nuclear factor-kappa B-associated Wnt-1 expression in hepatitis B- and C-related hepatocarcinogenesis: identification by functional proteomics

J Biomed Sci. 2006 Jan;13(1):27-39. doi: 10.1007/s11373-005-9030-1. Epub 2005 Oct 14.

Abstract

Chronic infections with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are etiologically linked to hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both viruses may induce activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in hepatocytes that plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. Functional proteomics analysis of proteins associated with NF-kappaB signaling complexes in both viruses-related HCC tumor and non-tumor tissues may disclose possible common mechanisms in hepatocarcinogenesis. By functional proteomics, we analyzed proteins associated with NF-kappaB-signaling complexes in four-paired human HCC tumor and non-tumor tissues from HBV- and HCV-infected patients, respectively, and in one-paired tissue with dual viral infection. The quantity of NF-kappaB-associated proteins was semi-quantitatively measured by protein spot intensity on the gels of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results showed that overexpression of NF-kappaB-associated Wnt-1 protein in tumor part was detected in the majority of HBV- and HCV-infected HCC samples. These data suggest that enhanced expression of NF-kappaB-associated Wnt-1 protein might be a mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis common to HBV- and HCV-infected patients. NF-kappaB signaling pathway and Wnt-1 protein could be potential targets for designing highly effective therapeutic agents in treating HCC and for chemoprevention of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / metabolism
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / metabolism
  • Hepatitis B virus / metabolism
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / virology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms* / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / chemistry
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Proteomics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Wnt1 Protein / genetics
  • Wnt1 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Peptides
  • Wnt1 Protein