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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
Published on: June 15, 2019
Complement C1q stimulates the progression of hepatocellular tumor through the activation of discoidin domain receptor
Ji-Hyun Lee1, Barun Poudel1, Hyeon-Hui Ki1
1Department of Immunology and Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 54907, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
C1q is known to perform several functions in addition to the role it plays in complement activation. C1q contains a collagen-like portion and DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) is a well-known collagen receptor. Accordingly, we hypothesized C1q might be a novel ligand of DDR1. This study shows for the first time C1q directly induces the activation and upregulation of DDR1, and that this leads to enhanced migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. In addition, C1q was found to induce the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, and to increase the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and 9). Our results reveal a relationship between C1q and DDR1 and suggest C1q-induced DDR1 activation signaling may be involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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