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HDGF-related protein-3 essential for chemoresistance, anchorage-independent survival in hepatocellular carcinomas

Hepatoma-derived growth factor-related protein-3 appeared to be essential for hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis, according to recent data, making it a potential molecular target for new drugs.

Researchers measured HDGF-related protein-3 (HRP-3) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. They found that high levels of HRP-3 correlated with poor patient survival and that HRP-3 was highly upregulated in human HCC tissues.

In both in vitro and in vivo, HRP-3 contributed to anchorage-independent growth of HCC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of HRP-3 promoted apoptosis of HCC cells.

“HRP-3 may serve as a novel prognostic marker and molecular target for development of drugs for treatment of human HCC,” the researchers wrote.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.