Onecut1partially contributes to the liver progenitor cell transition and acquisition of metastatic potential in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

AbstractMetastasis-initiating cells are considered to originate from stem cell-like cancer cells. In hepatocellular carcinoma, liver progenitor-like cells are reported to be derived from hepatocytes, indicating the possible acquisition of metastatic potential during hepatocyte-to-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation. Consistent with the expression pattern observed during ductal plate formation, we revealed an LPC transition withOnecut1accumulation both during hepatocyte-to-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation and in a cell model. This event may be associated with transient acquisition of metastatic potential.