Epigenetic Silence of Ankyrin-Repeat–Containing, Sh3-Domain–Containing, and Proline-Rich-Region– Containing Protein 1 ( Aspp1 ) and Aspp2 Genes Promotes Tumor Growth in Hepatitis B Virus–Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

ASPP1 and ASPP2 genes are frequently down-regulated by DNA methylation in HBV-positive HCC, which may play important roles in the development of HCC. These findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatocarcinogenesis and may have potent therapeutic applications.