Effect of HKDC1 ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation
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ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death from cancer malignancies. Recently, a putative fifth hexokinase, hexokinase domain containing 1 (HKDC1), was shown to have significant overexpression in HCC compared to healthy tissue. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo tools, we examined the role of HKDC1 in HCC development and progression. Importantly, HKDC1 ablation stops HCC development and progression via action by promoting metabolic reprogramming and a shift of glucose flux away from the TCA cycle. HKDC1 ablation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in less cellular energy which cannot be compensated by enhanced glucose uptake. Moreover, we show that the interaction of HKDC1 with the mitochondria is essential for its role in HCC progression, and without this mitochondrial interaction mitochondrial dysfunction occurs. HKDC1 is highly expressed in HCC cells, but only to a minimal degree in hepatocytes under normal conditions therefore targeting HKDC1, specifically its interaction with the mitochondria, reveals a highly selective approach to target cancer cells in HCC.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE188774 | GEO | 2021/11/21
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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