Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Elevated Src expression associated with hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis in northern Chinese patients
Ran Zhao1, Yiqi Wu1, Tianzhen Wang2
1Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China ; Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Src, a non-receptor type of tyrosine, was recently reported to modulate multiple signaling pathways in human tumors. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the expression and distribution of Src on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expressions of total Src (t-Src) and an active form of Src [phosphorylated (p-) Y416Src] were analyzed in 52 northern Chinese patients with HCC using immunohistochemistry. The positive expression rates of t-Src and p-Y416Src in HCC tissue were 65.38 and 42.30%, respectively, which is significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissue (30.76 and 13.46%; P<0.001 and P=0.010, respectively). The staining intensity of t-Src and p-Y416Src were also significantly higher in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001 and P=0.023, respectively). t-Src expression was positively and significantly correlated with tumor stage (P=0.002), cellular differentiation (P=0.007), metastasis (P=0.030) and the expression level of CA19-9 (P=0.016), while p-Y416Src expression was only significantly correlated with tumor stage (P=0.010). The expression of t-Src and p-Y416Src were also investigated using immunocytochemistry in two HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials (MHCC97-L and HCCLM3) that are derived from a single HCC patient. Consistently, the expression of t-Src and p-Y416Src were stronger in the cells with higher metastatic potential compared with those exhibiting lower metastatic potential. Taken together, the current data indicate that Src expression is elevated and active in Chinese patients with HCC and that t-Src may have a key role in promoting HCC metastasis.
Insights
Src protein is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues from Chinese patients. This study found Src expression correlates with tumor progression and metastasis, suggesting a key role in HCC development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, influences signaling pathways in human tumors.
- Understanding Src's role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and distribution of total Src (t-Src) and phosphorylated Y416 Src (p-Y416Src) in HCC.
- To correlate Src expression with clinical parameters and metastatic potential in HCC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze t-Src and p-Y416Src expression in 52 Chinese HCC patient samples and adjacent non-tumor tissues.
- Immunocytochemistry was performed on two HCC cell lines (MHCC97-L and HCCLM3) with varying metastatic potentials.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher expression and staining intensity of both t-Src and p-Y416Src were observed in HCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues.
- t-Src expression correlated with advanced tumor stage, poor differentiation, metastasis, and elevated CA19-9 levels.
- p-Y416Src expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage, and both forms were more highly expressed in HCC cells with greater metastatic potential.
Conclusions:
- Src is elevated and active in Chinese HCC patients, indicating its oncogenic role.
- t-Src expression is strongly associated with HCC progression and metastasis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
