[Identification of a novel gene overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma by differential hybridization].

OBJECTIVE

Searching for novel gene related to human hepatoma.

METHODS

Twelve EST (expressed sequence tag) clones were examined with Northern blot analysis, looking for the gene(s) differentially expressed in hepatoma versus surrounding noncancerous hepatic tissue, and then compared with Gene Databases.

RESULTS

Northern blot analysis showed that EST clone F9391 expressed at high level in all of the 6 hepatocellular carcinoma samples, but at low level in the surrounding noncancerous hepatic tissues and in 2 cases of normal liver tissues. Nucleotide sequencing indicated that this clone belonged to a novel gene that had not included in the Gene Databases (EMBL 96.6).

CONCLUSION

F9391 gene is a novel gene overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. Being related to cell proliferation, it might play an important role in liver oncogenesis. Forthermore, it may be used as a new marker for diagnosis and new target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.