The significance of gap junction gene Cx32 expression in hepatocarcinogenesis

Objective:To investigate the significance of gap junction protein Cx32 and Cx32mRNA in hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:Cx32 protein and Cx32mRNA in 26 cases of HCC,22 case of their related adjacent cancer tissues and 9 cases of normal liver tissue were analyzed by Western blot and RT-PCR.Results:Expression of Cx32 protein in HCC was significantly lower than their related adjacent-cancer tissues and normal liver tissues(P0.01);the level of Cx32mRNA was similar among HCC,their related adjacent-cancer and normal liver tissues(P0.05).Conclusion:The decrease of Cx32 protein expression level may play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis,and the results from the disorder of regulation from Cx32 gene translation or protein modification.