Correlation between the complex of small heat shock proteins (HSPBs) and the progression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Small heat shock proteins (HSPBs) regulate various cell functions. We previously reported that HSPB1, HSPB6, and HSPB8 each suppress the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The heterooligomerization of HSPs is speculated to be crucial for functional activities. Here, we investigated the relationship between the complex of HSPBs and the progression of HCC. HSPB1/HSPB6 complex and HSPB1/HSPB8 complex, but not HSPB6/HSPB8 complex, were observed in both HSPB6-overexpressing human HCC-derived HuH-7 cells and resected human HCC tumor tissue. Differentiation, stage, tumor size, and vein invasion of HCC were inversely related to the presence of HSPB complexes in the HCC tissue. Our results strongly suggest that the HSPB complex formation plays a suppressive role in the HCC progression.