Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 2, 2025

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

Published on: September 12, 2019

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Exploration of Sorafenib Influences on Gene Expression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Huancheng Wang1, Jia Liu1

  • 1First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|November 2, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identifies key gene expression changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with sorafenib. These findings offer insights into sorafenib

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Pharmacogenomics

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
  • Sorafenib is a crucial targeted therapy for advanced HCC.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of sorafenib is vital for optimizing treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a comprehensive differential gene expression profile for HCC patients undergoing sorafenib treatment.
  • To identify potential molecular targets and biomarkers associated with sorafenib efficacy and side effects in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • RNA and miRNA sequencing data from 114 sorafenib-treated HCC patients and 326 untreated controls were analyzed.
  • Differential expression analysis, functional enrichment (GO, KEGG), and protein-protein interaction analyses were performed.
  • Key gene and miRNA candidates were validated using ELISA in clinical HCC samples.

Main Results:

  • 66 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 3 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in sorafenib-treated HCC patients.
  • Five genes (HTR2C, TRH, AGTR2, MCHR2, SLC6A2) and three miRNAs (hsa-miR-4445, hsa-miR-466, hsa-miR-2114) were proposed as potential sorafenib targets.
  • Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions affected by sorafenib.

Conclusions:

  • The identified differential gene expression profile provides a deeper understanding of sorafenib's action in HCC.
  • This research highlights potential therapeutic targets and clinical biomarkers for sorafenib in HCC treatment.
  • Findings may aid in mitigating sorafenib's side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
GO and KEGG functional enrichmenthepatocellar carcinomahepatocellular carcinomaprotein–protein interaction analysissorafenib

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