Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Nuclear Her2 expression in hepatocytes in liver disease]
P Döring1, G M Pilo2, D F Calvisi2
1Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland. paula.doering@uni-greifswald.de.
Background:
Her2 is a well-known member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) superfamily, a group of transmembrane receptors that mediate effects of proliferation and survival and thus play an important role in tumorigenesis. EGFRs can translocate to the nucleus and may mediate DNA repair and cell cycle arrest.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to characterize hepatocellular Her2 expression in different liver diseases.
Materials And Methods:
Her2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 674 liver biopsies.
Results:
Hepatocytes often revealed a nuclear and cytoplasmic Her2 expression in different liver diseases with the strongest association to alcoholic steatohepatitis. The histologic parameters of hepatocellular ballooning and the presence of Mallory-Denk bodies strongly correlated with Her2 positivity. Interestingly, in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) nuclear Her2 expression was frequently observed. Furthermore, Her2 positive hepatocytes showed a loss of estrogen receptor expression and increased expression of p21, a cell cycle regulator, and pSTAT3, a downstream effector of nuclear Her2.
Conclusions:
Nuclear Her2 expression in hepatocytes with further metabolic and cell cycle alterations may imply a so far unknown mechanism of a stress response. So far, the effects on disease course and a possible role of nuclear Her2 in progression to HCC are unclear and the subject of future research.
More Related Videos
09:27Analysis of Liver Microenvironment During Early Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Zebrafish
Published on: April 1, 2021
08:44A High-Throughput In Situ Method for Estimation of Hepatocyte Nuclear Ploidy in Mice
Published on: April 19, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Liver Regeneration
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test