ERK signaling-mediated molecules in the progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Chiung-Fang Chang

Liver cirrhosis is the fourteenth most cause of death worldwide. Aberrant apoptosis is associated with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis progression, even for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The progression from long-term liver injury, liver cirrhosis to HCC is associated with liver damage, liver regeneration and immune responses. Targeting liver injury-dependent signaling pathways could help to alleviate liver cirrhosis and prevent HCC development. ERK signaling pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation and regeneration. In this study, we investigate the role of ERK signaling pathway in the progression of liver cirrhosis and HCC in terms of hepatocytes as well as immune responses.