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Overexpression of MCL-1 in canine hepatocellular carcinoma and its efficacy as a prognostic marker

  • 0Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Bmc Veterinary Research +

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May 16, 2025

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May 16, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is overexpressed in canine liver cancer, correlating with poorer survival. This finding suggests MCL-1 is a potential prognostic marker for canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background

  • Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1), an anti-apoptotic protein, is overexpressed in human cancers, contributing to tumor growth and treatment resistance.
  • While MCL-1's role in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is documented, its prognostic significance in canine HCC is not well understood.
  • Investigating MCL-1 expression in canine liver tissues is crucial for understanding its role in canine HCC pathogenesis and prognosis.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To detect and compare MCL-1 protein expression levels between normal canine liver tissue and canine HCC tissue.
  • To quantify MCL-1 intensity in normal, non-neoplastic, and HCC liver tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
  • To evaluate the correlation between MCL-1 immunostaining and clinical-pathological parameters in canine HCC.

Main Methods

  • Western blotting was employed to compare MCL-1 protein levels in normal versus HCC canine liver tissues.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to quantify MCL-1 expression intensity across different liver tissue types.
  • Statistical analyses assessed differences in MCL-1 expression and its association with clinical and pathological variables.

Main Results

  • MCL-1 expression was significantly elevated in canine HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues (P=0.029).
  • MCL-1 IHC expression increased progressively with malignancy, showing low levels in normal tissues (P<0.001).
  • High MCL-1 expression in HCC correlated with metastatic status (P=0.034), larger tumor size (P=0.046), and poorer disease-free and overall survival rates (P=0.006 and P=0.031, respectively).

Conclusions

  • MCL-1 expression is upregulated in canine hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Overexpression of MCL-1 is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including reduced survival.
  • MCL-1 serves as a potential and promising prognostic marker for canine HCC.

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