Metabolic regulator as ECM role for liver cells

Abstract

ECM substrates have been recognized as the key biological materials that promote in vitro liver tissue formation. In nature tissue, ECM substrates present both in between cells and cells to epitheliums. They are not only providing biophysical support, but also biochemical cues that regulate cell major activities such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Integrins bind with specific ECM substrates initiate intracellular signals transduction to the nucleus for response. Several mediators and growth factors such as cytokines and hormones are in phase in facilitating this process. Our project aims to study the individual impact of three main ECM substrates, collagen, fibronectin and laminin to liver cell proliferation and metabolism. The literature review provides insights on the mechanism of liver regeneration, metabolism and signal transduction. The role of ECM matrix as a whole is also discussed. Huh 7.5, one type of hepatocellular carcinoma is used as the cell line in this project. Cell proliferation number directly indicates the effect of ECM substrates to cell growth. Protein and gene expression of hepatocytes specific biomarkers indicate the functions which the cells are undergoing. Cell proliferation cycle, antigen-antibody specificity of proteins, and reverse transcription mechanism of DNA are the important concepts that support our experiments. The results indicate that all three ECM substrates encourage cell growth. Albumin consistently shows positive expression in both qualitative and quantitative analysis under collagen and laminin substrates. Also, Huh 7.5 cells shows variation in cell size and shape under different ECM substrates. Details of results can be found in later portion of the report.