Research Projects

The project aims to understand the functions of Serine hydrolases in HCC cell migration and invasion. Serine hydrolases are the largest group of enzymes, with nearly 250 identified members. Preliminary studies with epithelial and mesenchymal HCC cell lines showed a clear pattern in the expression and activity of intracellular and secreted serine hydrolases. Some serine hydrolases are more active in mesenchymal cells, while others are more active in epithelial cells. The project aims to explore whether all or some of these enzymes are associated with the progression of EMT in HCC cells. Serine hydrolases have been extensively studied in breast cancer and myeloma, with some serine hydrolases found pivotal in disease progression. This project aims to explore the role of these enzymes in promoting migration and metastasis in HCC cells. The study will use Pathway enrichment analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis, and patient cohort analysis to understand their functional network and roles in HCC promotion. Label free mass spectrophotometric analysis will be used to identify and quantify expressed serine hydrolases. The project will also identify candidate genes that may serve as marker proteins and serve as a foundation for future studies on the effects of chosen serine hydrolases in animal model HCCs.