19 Loss of PHB2 in MEFs was accompanied by loss of PHB1, confirming their interdependence in the mammalian system. Loss of PHB2 resulted in aberrant mitochondrial cristae morphogenesis

and increased apoptosis, which is similar to Phb1 KO. However, loss of PHB2 in MEFs led to impaired cellular proliferation.19 Given that these two proteins function as a complex at least in the mitochondria, it is intriguing that they should have such different effects on growth. Our findings are consistent with an earlier report; during liver regeneration in rats, where the expression of PHB1 is abundant in quiescent hepatocytes and nearly absent during the 3-hour to 12-hour period following two-thirds partial hepatectomy, and returning to normal levels at 24 hours.28 These changes correlated with entry of hepatocytes into the cell cycle and support the notion that a fall in PHB1 facilitates Protease Inhibitor Library cell line cell-cycle entry and proliferation. Based on the findings thus far, reduced PHB1 expression that occurs in the Mat1a KO livers can contribute to liver injury, increased oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial

function, expansion of liver progenitor cells, and development of HCC in the Mat1a KO mouse model.10–12, 29 However, whether it also contributes to the susceptibility to develop fatty liver in the Mat1a KO mice12 is not clear. Although there is no evidence for increased fat accumulation in Phb1 KO livers click here up to 14 weeks of age, there is increased

plasma cholesterol selleck compound level, which may signal impairment in cholesterol uptake by the liver. This possibility will require further investigation. In summary, liver-specific deletion of Phb1 results in marked liver injury at an early age that is characterized by necrosis, apoptosis, swollen mitochondria, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and increased expression of progenitor cell and preneoplastic markers. Multifocal HCC occurs by 8 months. Marked reduction of PHB1 alters the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular pathways, from growth, inflammation, and xenobiotic metabolism. Our study demonstrates for the first time a vital role for PHB1 in normal liver physiology and supports PHB1 as a tumor suppressor in liver. CIBERehd is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Isolated mouse hepatocytes were prepared by the Cell Culture Core, whereas liver tissue sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were performed by the Cell and Tissue Imaging Core of the USC Research Center for Liver Diseases (P30DK48522). Immunohistochemistry for 4-HNE, reticulin, OV-6, GSTP, and AFP were done by the Morphology Core of the Southern California Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases and Cirrhosis (P50AA11999).