[Down-regulated expression of UNC5b related to hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between UNC5b gene expression and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
In situ hybridization was performed to detect the expression of UNC5b mRNA in HCC samples, paracarcinomatous liver tissues samples and normal liver samples. The relationship between UNC5b mRNA expression and the HCC clinicopathological features were also analyzed. Human umbilical artery endothelial cells were isolated and stimulated with HCC tissues homogenate, vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Then RT-PCR was employed to detect the expression of UNC5b mRNA in normal HUAEC as well as activated HUAEC.


RESULTS
In situ hybridization results showed that UNC5b mRNA expression was detected majorly in endothelial cells of all normal liver tissues, and partial PCLTs but was weak or even undetectable in endothelial cells of the corresponding HCC tissues. The expression levels of UNC5b gene in PCLTs were significantly correlated with capsular formation of HCC. Furthermore, RT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of UNC5b mRNA in activated HUAEC were significantly higher than those in normal HUAEC.


CONCLUSIONS
Down-regulation of UNC5b gene expression is related to angiogenesis of HCC, which may be associated with the progression of HCC.
Zhang
Hua
H
Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Wu
Fan
F
Tao
Yi-ming
YM
Yang
Lian-yue
LY
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000235:genetics; D015536:Down-Regulation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000235:genetics; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics*; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*
D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C532445:UNC5B protein, human