Ninjurin1 increases p21 expression and induces cellular senescence in human hepatoma cells

Background/Aims Ninjurin1 is a novel adhesion molecule that has a role in promoting nerve regeneration. Although ninjurin1 is ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues, including the liver, the biologic functions of ninjurin1 in tissues other than the nervous system remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of ninjurin1 in hepatocytes. Methods The effect of ninjurin1 overexpression was examined in Huh-7 hepatoma cells. Ninjurin1 expression was examined by Western blot in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues as well as their adjacent liver tissues. Results Ninjurin1-overexpressing clones exhibited strong growth inhibition due to G1 cell cycle arrest, which is associated with a posttranscriptional increase in p21 WAF1/Cip1 , a decrease of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity and the hypophosphorylation of Rb. The ninjurin1-overexpressing clones had increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and autofluorescent pigment, characteristic features of cellular senescence. The levels of ninjurin1 expression were higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than those in adjacent liver tissues. Conclusions The present study provides the first evidence that ninjurin1 is able to induce the senescence program. Ninjurin1 may be involved in the regulation of cellular senescence in the liver during carcinogenesis.