Publication Cover
Chronobiology International
The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research
Volume 34, 2017 - Issue 2
597
Views
20
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Dysregulation of metallothionein and circadian genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma

, , &
Pages 192-202 | Received 04 Sep 2016, Accepted 31 Oct 2016, Published online: 20 Dec 2016
 

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major threat to human health, and disruption of circadian clock genes is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study examined the dysregulation of metallothioneins and circadian genes in achieved human HCC (n = 24), peri-HCC tissues (n = 24) as compared with normal human livers (n = 36). Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. Real-time RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of genes of interest. The results demonstrated the downregulation of metallothionein-1 (MT-1), MT-2, and metal transcription factor-1 (MFT-1) in human HCC as compared with Peri-HCC and normal tissues. MTs are a biomarker for HCC and have typical circadian rhythms; the expression of major circadian clock genes was also determined. HCC produced a dramatic decrease in the expression of core clock genes, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (Bmal1), and decreased the expression of the clock feedback control genes, Periods (Per1, Per2) and Cryptochromes (Cry1, Cry2). On the other hand, the expression of clock target genes nuclear orphan receptor factor protein (Nr1d1) and D-box-binding protein (Dbp) was upregulated as compared with Peri-HCC and normal livers. Peri-HCC also had mild alterations in these gene expressions. In summary, the present study clearly demonstrated the dysregulation of MTs and circadian clock genes in human HCC, which could provide the information of targeting MT and circadian clock in HCC management.

Funding

This work is supported by the Chinese National Science Foundation [grant number 81160415], [grant number 81460632].

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the Chinese National Science Foundation [grant number 81160415], [grant number 81460632].

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 61.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 489.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.