The role of cyclophilins in liver cancer

Cyclophilins (Cyps) are intracellular proteins with capacity to catalyze the isomerization of peptides from cis to trans form. Some types of human cyclophilins are shown to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), playing an important role in cell proliferation, therapy resistance and self- renewal. The main aim is to explore the mechanism of action of a new class of cyclophilin inhibitors for the treatment of HCC. In addition, the selected cyclophilin inhibitor will be combined with other known compounds against HCC for possible synergistic effects decreasing the minimal dose required for an effective inhibitory activity.