Growth inhibition and induction of specific hepatic phenotype expression by retinoic acid in HEPG2 cells.
Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, plays a role in the growth and differentiation of a variety of normal and malignant cells. In response to 5 microM retinoic acid the human hepatoma-derived cell line HepG2 underwent significant growth inhibition (not associated with cell death), which reached a level of 80% in comparison with controls, after 12 days of continuous treatment. Retinoic acid also induced morphological changes in these cells, in particular the development of canalicular-like structures, indicating progression to a more differentiated phenotype. In addition, a reduced expression of alpha-fetoprotein was found. We suggest that our results may be important for the design of novel therapeutic approaches using RA for the treatment of liver tumors.
Falasca
L
L
Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy. falasca@axcasp.caspur.it
Marcellini
P
P
Ara
C
C
Rufo
A
A
Devirgiliis
L C
LC
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010641:Phenotype; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D014212:Tretinoin