Gene Expression and Biochemical Analysis of Beta-catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Grant number: 12/21421-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Renato Ferreira da Silva
• Grantee: Rafael Fernandes Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Risk factors for HCC include hepatitis B and C, alcoholic cirrhosis, prolonged exposure to aflatoxin, inherited metabolic diseases, and genetic alterations that can affect various cellular pathways. In this case, we highlight the genetic mutations and overexpression of ²-catenin, which has been associated with the carcinogenic process in different series, acting as a cell adhesion protein. To evaluate the gene expression of ²-catenin in patients with HCC and hepatitis C virus (HCV); comparatively analyze serum levels of ²-catenin in patients with HCC, cirrhosis, HCV and control subjects; analyze the odds ratio for HCC, with respect to clinical, genetic and biochemical in different groups. 40 individuals will be selected, regardless of gender, ethnicity and age, divided into four groups. Group 1 - 10 patients diagnosed with HCC, Group 2 - 10 individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis of any etiology; Group 3 - 10 individuals diagnosed with HCV; Group 4-10 control subjects without clinical and biochemical signs of HCC, cirrhosis or HCV. The gene expression of ²-catenin is performed by extracting RNA from liver tissue from patients undergoing liver biopsy for diagnosis followed by amplification by polymerase chain reaction in real-time (RT-PCR). Biochemical testing will be performed by enzyme immunoassay sandwich-type ELISA. Statistical analysis will include the Fisher exact test, Student t and multivariate regression with significance for P <0.05.