Role of FLT3 and its potential interaction partner, Hsp27 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Regeneration ability of liver is known to be associated with the activation of resident oval cells. Previously our group showed that oval cell marker, FLT3 changes its cellular localization in response to partial hepatectomy and suggested a role in liver regeneration. In addition, FLT3 was shown to play an important role in cellular proliferation and activation of PI3K and Ras. Hsp27 on the other hand, is a small chaperone that has roles in the inhibition of apoptosis and overexpressed in a wide range of cancers increasing their metastatic potential. Due to the role of FLT3 in liver regeneration and cellular proliferation, we aimed to analyze the effect of FLT3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vitro and in vivo and its interaction with Hsp27.