Roles of FXR in Lipid Biochemistry within Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using MALDI MSI
Kayle J Bender1, Ying Hu2, Blanca R Teodoro1
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|April 25, 2026
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) alters liver lipid profiles, particularly phosphatidylcholine (PC) species. This study used MALDI MSI to reveal distinct PC differences in HCC, suggesting PC(38:4) may play a role in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer with high mortality.
- The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) influences liver function, lipid metabolism, and homeostasis.
- FXR plays a role in liver cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in liver lipid composition in HCC.
- To explore the relationship between HCC, FXR expression, and lipid profiles.
- To focus on phosphatidylcholine (PC) species using MALDI MSI.
Main Methods:
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) was utilized for spatial lipid analysis.
- Analysis focused on phosphatidylcholine (PC) species within liver tissue.
- Cell culture experiments with Hep3B cells and PC(38:4) were conducted.
Main Results:
- Distinct spatial and compositional differences in PC lipids were observed between HCC and nontumorous liver regions.
- Specific PC species showed altered distribution in the presence of HCC.
- Cell culture experiments suggested a potential role for PC(38:4) in HCC.
Conclusions:
- MALDI MSI is effective for profiling lipid alterations in HCC.
- Specific PC species are significantly altered in HCC, indicating potential biomarkers.
- PC(38:4) warrants further investigation for its role in HCC pathogenesis.
