c-Met activation promotes extravasation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells into 3D-cultured hepatocyte cells in lab-on-a-chip device
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research, vol.1870, no.8, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Letter
- Volume: 1870 Issue: 8
- Publication Date: 2023
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119557
- Journal Name: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
- Keywords: HCC, c-Met, Metastasis, Extravasation, Lab-on-a-chip (LOC), Microenvironment
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Activation of c-Met signaling is associated with an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its contribution to organ preference in metastasis remains unclear. In this study, using a Lab on a Chip device, we defined the role of aberrant c-Met activation in regulating the extravasation and homing capacity of HCC cells. Our studies showed that (i) c-Met overexpression and activation direct HCC cells preferentially towards the hepatocytes-enriched microenvironment, and (ii) blockage of c-Met phosphorylation by a small molecule inhibitor attenuated extravasation and homing capacity of HCC cells. These results, thus, demonstrate the role of c-Met signaling in regulating the colonization of HCC cells preferentially in the liver.