Candidate genes involving in tumorigenesis of cholangiocarcinoma induced by Opisthorchis viverrini infection

Opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of main public health problems in Opisthorchis viverrini endemic areas. Although the definite relationship between prevalence of CCA and the parasite infection has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis is still unknown. In the present study, by using animal model of opisthorchiasis-associated CCA, a kinetic analysis of cDNA microarray was performed to screen the candidate genes that involve in the development of opisthorchiasis-associated CCA. Microarray analysis revealed that the expressions of 131 genes were up-regulated during the development of CCA, including the genes relative to cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation, cell growth and cycle regulation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and cytoskeletal structure. The expressions of 145 genes were down-regulated, including the genes relative to metabolic enzymes, tumor suppressor, apoptosis, and oxidative response and oxidation reduction. The present study listed up the candidate genes involving tumorigenesis, provided molecular information on the development of opisthorchiasis-associated CCA and the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy, and suggested that the increased expression of cell differentiation, proliferation, transformation-related genes, and decreased expression of metabolic enzymes may play important roles in the tumorigenesis of CCA.