Analysing the expression of protein kinase C eta in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: Protein kinase Cs (PKCs) play important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and tumorigenesis. In this report, we investigated the expression of PKC eta in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and explored its role in the development of HCC. Methods: We used real-time quantitative RT-PCR, mutation analysis, and immunohistochemical staining to analyse the expression of PKC eta in 50 pairs of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Results: Expression of PKC eta was down-regulated in 82% of HCC tissues and the reduction of PKC eta was associated with poorer long-term survival of HCC patients. Conclusion: Reduced expression of PKC eta may represent a molecular lesion in the development of more aggressive disease of HCC.