PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 2.E - Pathological and Oncological Sciences

Investigating SPOCK1 as an Oncogenic Driver and Diagnostic Biomarker in Human Liver Disease

Előadó neve

Szakadáti, Helga, MSc

Neptune code

CUKMVQ

Előadó munkahelye

Semmelweis University, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research

Előadó telefonszáma

+36209533225

Előadó e-mail címe

szakadati.helga@phd.semmelweis.hu

Az előadás címe

Investigating SPOCK1 as an Oncogenic Driver and Diagnostic Biomarker in Human Liver Disease

Szerző(k) neve és munkahelye

Helga Szakadáti¹, Lóránd Váncza², Dávid Bárdos³, Ilona Kovalszky¹, Kornélia Baghy¹

1: Semmelweis University, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research
2: Pediatric Center, Tűzoltó utca Department, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Budapest
3: Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Budapest

Bemutatás módja

Poszter

Szekció

Poster Session 2.E - Pathological and Oncological Sciences

Language of the presentation

English

Preferred session

Pathological and Oncological Sciences

Összefoglaló szövege

Introduction
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most prevalent primary liver cancers and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising cellular and molecular components like the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays a critical role in cancer progression. SPOCK1, a proteoglycan found within the ECM, has emerged as a significant oncogene. Understanding SPOCK1's role in HCC is essential for developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Aims
This research aims to clarify SPOCK1’s pathophysiological role in human liver diseases and assess its potential as a diagnostic marker. Objectives include investigating the effects of SPOCK1 on tumorigenesis, signaling pathways, and apoptosis; quantifying differences in SPOCK1 expression across various liver tissues; and measuring circulating levels in patient blood to evaluate its clinical utility.
Methods
Stable SPOCK1-overexpressing hepatoma cell lines were established and examined. Proliferation and DNA synthesis were measured via SRB and BrdU assays; signaling pathway activation was assessed using cyclin B1 and phospho-histone H3 markers. Migration was analyzed using a transwell assay; apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. In vivo tumor growth was studied using SCID mouse xenograft models. Human liver samples and plasma were analyzed using in silico tools, immunostaining, and ELISA.
Results
In vitro assays showed that SPOCK1 overexpression enhanced proliferation and DNA synthesis by activating the Akt-mTOR and MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling pathways. In HLE cells, overexpression enhanced migration and inhibited apoptosis. The in vivo mouse model showed that SPOCK1-overexpressing tumors grew at an accelerated rate compared to controls. Analysis of human samples confirmed these findings; SPOCK1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in HCC tissue compared to healthy controls. While tissue expression was high, ELISA showed a significant decrease in circulating SPOCK1 specifically in patients with hepatitis B.
Conclusion
SPOCK1 is a potent oncogene in liver cancer, driving malignant behavior through key signaling pathways. Its correlation with poor prognosis highlights its potential as a clinical biomarker for HCC.
Funding
This work was supported by NKFI-OTKA FK 138593 and SE 250+.

University

Semmelweis University

Supervisor

Baghy Kornélia

Publication of my abstract

I do not give consent to the publication of my abstract on the website of the congress.

phd.section.field

in doctoral studies after complex exam (PhD)

Kind

Szabad

Status

elfogadva

Accepted presentation method

poszter

Előadás fájl jóváhagyás

nem rendelkezett róla

Előadó

9174

Start

18:06

End

18:09