FIGURE 1.

The GαS protein level is increased in premalignant HcPCs and promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. (A) Comparative results of differentially expressed proteins between hepatic aggregates and nonaggregates applying TMT assessment are shown, which were from four groups of male mice 5 months post–initial DEN injection. (B) Protein levels of GαS in normal hepatocytes, nonaggregated hepatocytes, HcPCs, and HCC tissues were detected by western blot. (C) GαS mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis in the livers of GαS^F/F(OVER) and GαS^hep+/+ mice (n = 3, unpaired t test). (D) GαS was detected by western blot in the livers of GαS^F/F(OVER) and GαS^hep+/+ mice. (E) Representative livers of DEN‐induced HCC in GαS^F/F(OVER) and GαS^hep+/+ mice. (F) Tumor incidence (chi‐squared test), number, and maximum diameter (unpaired t test) in (E) were analyzed (n = 12). (G) GαS mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis in the livers of GαS^F/F(KO) and GαS^hep−/− mice (n = 3, unpaired t test). (H) GαS was detected by western blot in the livers of GαS^F/F(KO) and GαS^hep−/− mice. (I) Representative livers of DEN‐induced HCC in GαS^F/F(KO) and GαS^hep−/− mice. (J) Tumor incidence (chi‐squared test), number, and maximum diameter (unpaired t test) in (I) were analyzed (n = 12). Data are shown as mean ± SD or photographs from one representative of three independent experiments. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01