OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and role of B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2) in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Modified Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma rat model was established. The expression of BTG2, p53 and cyclinD1 was detected by RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The BTG2 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with faint cytoplasmic staining in normal liver cells; however, it is mainly a cytoplasmic protein in HCC cells. BTG2 was over-expressed during the early stage after DEN treatment, the expression level peaked at 5 weeks and then it gradually decreased to the normal level after 16 weeks. The expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E was increased gradually after DEN treatment, and peaked at 16 weeks and 5 weeks respectively. A significant increase in p53 was not observed until 5 weeks after DEN treatment, and it gradually decreased after 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased expression of BTG2 may be an important step in carcinogenesis of HCC. BTG2 may positively regulate p53 expression and negatively regulate cyclin D1 expression in the carcinogenesis of HCC.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and role of B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2) in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Modified Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary hepatocellular carcinomarat model was established. The expression of BTG2, p53 and cyclinD1 was detected by RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The BTG2 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with faint cytoplasmic staining in normal liver cells; however, it is mainly a cytoplasmic protein in HCC cells. BTG2 was over-expressed during the early stage after DEN treatment, the expression level peaked at 5 weeks and then it gradually decreased to the normal level after 16 weeks. The expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E was increased gradually after DEN treatment, and peaked at 16 weeks and 5 weeks respectively. A significant increase in p53 was not observed until 5 weeks after DEN treatment, and it gradually decreased after 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased expression of BTG2 may be an important step in carcinogenesis of HCC. BTG2 may positively regulate p53 expression and negatively regulate cyclin D1 expression in the carcinogenesis of HCC.