Thioacetamide-stimulated expression of non-histone protein.

The search for cancer specific nuclear proteins, stimulated by the supposition that transition from the normal to the neoplastic state resulting from disturbances in the control mechanisms of gene expression, indicated that non-histone protein of MW 48 kD is much more abundant in animal tumour cells than in normal liver (Krajewska et al., 1990). A non-histone component of MW 48 kD was assessed for changes during chemically induced carcinogenesis. Rats were treated with the hepatocarcinogen thioacetamide (TAA) and the expression of the polypeptide studied, in total nuclear protein and nonhistone protein fractions, was tested by Western blot technique in the presence of antibodies developed against a component of MW 48 kD from Kirkman-Robbins hepatoma. It was demonstrated that TAA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was accompanied by the expression of non-histone protein of MW 48 kD at a significantly elevated level. A clear and distinct change in the expression of the component studied in the spleen of TAA-treated rats was also observed. These results support the suggestion that over-expression of non-histone protein of MW 48 kD could contribute to neoplastic transformation.