PhD defence R. (Ruyi) Zhang

Below is a brief summary about the dissertation:

Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is often driven by mutations in a critical signaling pathway called Wnt/β-catenin. These mutations commonly affect a protein called AXIN1, which plays a role in regulating this pathway. We studied how different mutations in AXIN1 impact Wnt/β-catenin signaling and found that certain mutations significantly increase signaling activity. We also discovered that AXIN1 mutations can affect other genes and pathways beyond Wnt/β-catenin. Additionally, the study clarified that Wnt/β-catenin signaling remains important in liver cancer development, despite some previous doubts.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is essential for building proteins in our cells. Changes in tRNA can contribute to cancer development. We developed a method to detect and analyze tRNA in liver cancer. We found that specific changes in tRNA levels and a related enzyme called Lysyl-tRNA Synthetase are associated with liver cancer growth. By targeting these tRNA-related factors, they were able to slow down cancer cell growth, suggesting a potential avenue for therapy.

These studies provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving liver cancer and offer potential targets for future treatments. The first study highlights the importance of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in liver cancer, while the second study underscores the role of tRNA in cancer development, opening doors to new therapeutic strategies.