Differential sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to suppression of hepatocystin transcription under hypoxic conditions

Mutations in the gene encoding hepatocystin/80 K-H (PRKCSH) cause autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease. Hepatocystin deficiency impairs glucosidase II activity, which is critical for processing and folding glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Hypoxia is known as a strong stimulus for generating survival signals in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, hypoxia may induce cell apoptosis under conditions of severe ER...