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Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica 2006 December;52(4):407-13

Copyright © 2006 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Cell-matrix talks: effects on differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Wu X. Z. ¹, Chen D. ²

¹ Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China 2 Luzhou Medical College Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China

Different event is a process that is dependent on stimulation of extracellular signals, signal transduction and gene express. Malignant transformation of hepatocytes may occur in cirrhosis, which is the result of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. ECM could affect and maintain the differentiated phenotype of hepatocytes by regulating liver transcription factors. Moreover, ECM remodeling is correlated with dedifferentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integrin-matrix adhesion system and E-cadherin/catenin adhesion complex mediate the cell-matrix interaction through focal adhesion kinase, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases and b-catenin/Wnt pathway. The different event of HCC compared with the reversion of abnormal cell-matrix interaction. New drugs that are power for regulating cell-matrix interaction may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.