Expression patterns of AMP-deaminase isozymes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Background AMP-deaminase (EC 3.5.4.6) is an enzyme of nucleotide breakdown involved in regulation of energetic metabolism in mammalian cells. The enzyme is coded by a family of three independent genes (AMPD1, AMPD2 and AMPD3), synthesizing three different isozymes. In mammalian liver, the reaction catalyzed by AMP-deaminase constitutes a rate-limiting step in adenine nucleotide catabolism. In neoplastic liver, adenine nucleotide catabolism is a subject of many modifications, which influence the expression of genes synthesizing enzymes regulating this pathway. Aims The experimental studies presented here illustrate the expression of AMPD genes in human liver neoplasm tumor (HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma). Methods RT-PCR and Western blotting methods were used for determining of the goal mentioned above. Results and conclusion Expression level of AMPD gene family in the tumorous fragment (HCC tumor) of neoplastic liver did not differ substantially from that found in the nontumorous (cirrhotic) fragment of the organ. In this case the expression of AMPD2 gene was prevailing. AMPD2 was the main isoform of AMP-deaminase identified in two liver fragments compared. This is a first report evidencing the pattern of AMPD genes expression in neoplastic human liver.