Cyclin E1 expression level determines the anti-proliferative response of the pharmacological Cdk2 inhibitor Roscovitine in hepatoma cells and in the liver

Background & Aims: The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Roscovitine (Rosc) has been regarded as a promising anti-cancer agent. However, the anti-proliferative effects of Rosc in hepatoma cells and in the liver are currently unknown and were investigated in the present study to elucidate if Rosc could be a therapeutic option for the treatment of HCC. Methods: The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of Rosc were analyzed in murine hepatoma cells and primary hepatocytes in vitro and in mice following partial hepatectomy (PH) in vivo. Potential off-target effects of Rosc were investigated in mice with u…