Morpholino oligonucleotide-triggered β-catenin knockdown compromises normal liver regeneration

Background/Aims Wnt/β-catenin activation is seen during early liver regeneration (LR) observed as stabilization and translocation to the nucleus followed by an overall decrease. However, β-catenin continues to be in hepatocyte nucleus and membrane, secondary to its increased gene expression at 6–72 h. Methods In the present study, we examined the effect of ablating β-catenin transcription on LR. Twelve male fisher rats were subjected to two-third partial hepatectomy followed by administration of β-catenin antisense phospho-morpholino oligonucleotide (AS) in six or mismatch control (CON) injection in the remaining 6 via superior mesenteric vein. Three animals from each group were sacrificed at 24 h and 7 days for liver assessment. Results AS group exhibited a significant decrease in total β-catenin at 24 h. A significant decrease in liver/body weight ratio was also observed in the AS group at 24 h and 7 days that was due to decreased proliferation. Among the targets of this pathway c-myc and uPAR levels showed significant decrease while cyclin-D1 remained unaffected. Conclusions We demonstrate the importance of β-catenin in early liver regeneration especially in hepatocyte proliferation. Also, c-myc and uPAR might be crucial downstream effectors of β-catenin during liver regeneration.