Objective : The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of a MAGMAS inhibitor synthesized from Dr Bhaskar Das, a member of our group, in HCC cell lines HepG2, SNU449 and Huh7.Research Plan : MAGMAS (mitochondria-associated, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor signaling molecule) gene has been shown to be overexpressed in certain tumors, with its effect being anti-apoptotic in nature. In addition, we found that MAGMAS protein is expressed in HCC cell lines. We hypothesize that using a novel MAGMAS inhibitor may be effective in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.Methods : HCC cell lines will be treated with MAGMAS inhibitor at various concentrations in vitro. For analysis, we will use Vybrant MTT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit at 24 and 48 hours, per manufacturer's protocol. We will test MAGMAS inhibitor effect on apoptosis/necrosis, colony formation and microtubule destabilization in HepG2 as well. Clinical Relevance : Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world, behind lung cancer and gastric cancer. 80-90% of liver cancer is due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In early stage HCC, a surgical approach, including liver transplant, and/or local hepatic interventions can be quite effective. Unfortunately, a majority relapse within five years, despite these aggressive approaches. Sorafenib, an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the only FDA-approved drug for advanced HCC. In the landmark SHARP trial, sorafenib proved superior to placebo by 3 months in radiologic progression-free survival and overall survival objectives in patients with HCC with preserved liver function yet cancer too advanced for surgical or local approaches aforementioned. Finding a more effective means of treating advanced HCC is paramount.

MAGMAS inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma

248th National Meeting (2014)

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