Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
DNAJC24 is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma through affecting ammonia metabolism
Guangtao Li1,2,3, Yuchao He1,3, Hui Liu1,3
1Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
Abstract:
Evolutionarily conserved heat shock proteins are involved in the heat shock response of cells in response to changes in the external environment. In normal tissues, heat shock proteins can help cells survive in a rapidly changing environment. Likewise, in malignant tumors heat shock proteins may help tumor cells cope with external stresses as well as the stress of treatment. In this way they become accomplices of malignant tumors. Here we demonstrated for the first time that high expression of DNAJC24 (a heat shock protein) shortens survival in patients with HCC by immunohistochemical staining of 167 paired hepatocellular carcinomas and paraneoplastic tissues as well as data from public databases. In vitro experiments demonstrated that stimuli such as hypoxia, starvation and heat could upregulate DNAJC24 expression in HCC cells through transcriptional regulation of HSF2, and high expression of DNAJC24 in HCC cells could promote the proliferation and motility of HCC cells. In addition, we also verified that targeting DNAJC24 under normal culture conditions can affect the proliferation and autophagy of HCC cells by interfering with ammonia metabolism, thereby inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC. Overall, we suggested that DNAJC24 may become a new target for the treatment of HCC.
Insights
High expression of DNAJC24, a heat shock protein, is linked to shorter survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Targeting DNAJC24 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for HCC by inhibiting cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial for cellular stress response and survival.
- In malignant tumors, HSPs can aid tumor cells in coping with stress and treatment, potentially promoting cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DNAJC24, a heat shock protein, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To determine if DNAJC24 expression correlates with patient survival and HCC progression.
- To explore DNAJC24 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of 167 paired HCC and paraneoplastic tissues.
- Analysis of public database data.
- In vitro experiments involving stimuli like hypoxia, starvation, and heat.
- Investigation of DNAJC24's effect on HCC cell proliferation, motility, autophagy, and ammonia metabolism.
Main Results:
- High DNAJC24 expression was correlated with shortened survival in HCC patients.
- Hypoxia, starvation, and heat upregulated DNAJC24 expression in HCC cells via HSF2 transcriptional regulation.
- Elevated DNAJC24 promoted HCC cell proliferation and motility.
- Targeting DNAJC24 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and autophagy by interfering with ammonia metabolism, thus hindering malignant progression.
Conclusions:
- DNAJC24 is a significant factor in HCC progression and patient survival.
- DNAJC24 upregulation is mediated by cellular stress through HSF2.
- DNAJC24 represents a promising novel therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Urea Cycle
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...