Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1 (MGST1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its significance in the development of HCC. Methods Western blot was used to measure MGST1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues and HCC cell lines. Furthermore, shRNA targeting MGST1 was constructed and transected into MHCC97H and HCCLM3 cells to deplete MGST1 expression. MGST1 was over-expressed in SK-Hep-1 cells using pCDH lentivirus system. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by colony formation assay and transwell migration assay, respectively. The subcutaneous xenograft model of MHCC97H cells in nude mice was established to check tumor development and mouse survival. Results MGST1 was higher in 71% (17/24) of HCC tissues compared with their adjacent liver tissues. Cell proliferation and migration were significantly decreased by MGST1 knockdown, while they were increased by MGST1 overexpression (P<0.05). Furthermore, mice implanted with shMGST1 MHCC97H cells exhibited retarded tumor formation and tumor progression compared with control group. Conclusions MGST1 overexpression promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development and can be targeted for HCC treatment.

Key words: Key words: hepatocellular carcinoma, MGST1, nude mice