Liver development in embryos and regeneration in adults are characterized by regulated hepatocyte proliferation. This contrasts with the unregulated hepatocyte proliferation that accompanies many chronic hepatic diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While there is suggestion that common genetic pathways regulate both physiologic and pathologic hepatocyte proliferation, only a few studies in mammals illustrate this hypothesis. By forward genetic screening in zebrafish embryos combined with functional studies on liver regeneration in adults and expression analysis of human HCC samples, we have found that the ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains-1 (uhrf1) gene is essential for physiologic hepatocyte proliferation. We also believe that alterations in UHRF1 expression and/or regulation also contribute to deregulated proliferation in cancer. The work in this proposal will use a combination of zebrafish development and genetics, human cancer genomic analysis and mammalian tissue culture cell cycle studies and biochemistry to address 3 aspects of UHRF1 function in relation to hepatocyte proliferation.
In Specific Aim 1, we will examine the mechanism by which UHRF1 functions in regulating hepatocyte proliferation in zebrafish embryos.
In Specific Aim 2, we will elucidate how UHRF1 is regulated through phosphorylation by cyclin dependent kinase 2. The functional relevance of this phosphorylation will be assessed on cultured cells using biochemical and cell biological techniques.
In Specific Aim 3, we will determine the role of UHRF1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. By analysis of human HCC samples, we will evaluate the possibility that amplification of the UHRF1 locus contributes to its upregulation in cancer. Secondly, we will perform genetic and oncogenic studies in zebrafish and determine if UHRF1 is necessary and sufficient for hepatic tumor formation. In summary, this proposal will link together mechanisms that control hepatocyte proliferation in the embryo and during liver regeneration with those that control hepatocarcinogenesis. This proposal has direct relevance to the field of liver disease. Because the burden of liver disease remains enormous, the identification of genes that play critical roles in hepatocyte proliferation and in HCC progression are of significant scientific and clinical importance. The goal is to identify novel mechanisms of hepatocyte proliferation that can aid in the development of chemotherapeutic agents for use in management of patients with chronic liver diseases including HCC.

Public Health Relevance

We are interested in how the liver develops, how it restores itself after injury and how liver cancer occurs. We believe that all three processes are linked and that understanding of normal liver growth will help in caring for patients with liver cancer. We believe that we have discovered a gene called UHRF1 that is involved in all the three processes and will study how it plays a role in each situation. PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 09/04, Reissued 4/2006) Page Continuation Format Page

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK080789-04
Application #
8220796
Study Section
Hepatobiliary Pathophysiology Study Section (HBPP)
Program Officer
Serrano, Jose
Project Start
2009-02-10
Project End
2014-01-31
Budget Start
2012-02-01
Budget End
2013-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$366,781
Indirect Cost
$86,614
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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