Electrophoretic analysis of nuclear matrix proteins in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Chew, E.C.; Liew, C.T.; Wu, S.; Yang, L.; Yam, H.F.; Wang, S.W.; Lee, S.M.; Wang, Z.H.; Chew-Cheng, S.B.
Anticancer Research 17(5a): 3581-3585
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 9413206 Document Number: 473210
The nuclear matrix is the non-chromatin skeleton of the nucleus. This structure contributes to the shape of the nucleus and regulates various nuclear functions. In this study, nuclear matrix proteins of human normal liver, a liver cancer cell line, HepG2, and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were investigated. Using high resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the nuclear matrix proteins of 3 normal liver and 14 HCC were compared and contrasted. A high degree of similarity between normal liver, HepG2, and HCC nuclear matrix protein patterns was found. Two HCC specific nuclear matrix proteins were identified. Among these, one protein (HCC-1, Mr 62 kd, pI 5.3) appeared in all tumor samples and HCC-2 (Mr 33.25, pI 5.3-5.5) was present in 9/11 tumors, but absent in normal liver and HepG2. Our results indicate the presence of HCC specific nuclear matrix proteins. These matrix proteins may be used as markers for HCC.