BZW2, CDT1 and IVD Act As Biomarkers for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive investigation to screen and identify biomarkers for predicting HCC. METHODS: Firstly, the bioinformatics technique was applied to screen potential HCC-related genes, and the relationships between BZW2, CDT1, IVD expression and survival rate as well as clinicopathological factors were assessed. Afterwards, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to validate the expression of BZW2, CDT1, IVD in clinical resected cancer specimens. Furthermore, in vitro assays, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation and scratch experiments were performed to detect the effects of si-BZW2, si-CDT1 and oe-IVD in HCC cells. In vivo experiment, tumor volume and weight were measured to assess the anti-tumor effect of si-BZW2, si-CDT1 and oe-IVD in HCC-tumor bearing mice. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis indicated that HCC patients with high expression of BZW2, CDT1 and low expression of IVD have a poor prognosis and unfavorable clinicopathological factors. Similarly, clinical sample analysis revealed that BZW2 and CDT1 expression were increased while IVD expression was decreased in HCC tissues. Meanwhile, in vitro experiment found that si-BZW2, si-CDT1 and oe-IVD promoted apoptosis, inhibitd the colony formation and migration of HCC cells. As expected, in vivo experiments demonstrated that si-BZW2, si-CDT1 and oe-IVD could inhibit the growth of the tumor. CONCLUSION: Increased BZW2, CDT1 levels and decreased IVD level could act as biomarkers for predicting HCC. Furthermore, targeting BZW2, CDT1, and IVD may offer a new approach to treat HCC.