Final Activity Report Summary - AFALC (Analysing the functions of AP-1 in liver carcinogenesis)
I have been studying the roles of MAPKs (p38alpha and JNK1/2) and AP-1 (c-Jun and c-Fos) in liver cancer development. Using a chemical-induced cancer model, I found that p38alpha suppresses proliferation of cancer cells by antagonising the JNK/c-Jun pathway.
On the other hand, JNK1, but not JNK2, is essential for mouse liver cancer development. In addition, my results also showed that c-Jun promotes survival of initiated liver cancer cells by repressing c-Fos expression. Taken together, my data strongly indicate that the JNK/c-Jun pathway is a valuable target for liver cancer therapy.
On the other hand, JNK1, but not JNK2, is essential for mouse liver cancer development. In addition, my results also showed that c-Jun promotes survival of initiated liver cancer cells by repressing c-Fos expression. Taken together, my data strongly indicate that the JNK/c-Jun pathway is a valuable target for liver cancer therapy.