186-gene Prognostic Liver Signature (186-gene PLS)

The 186-gene Prognostic Liver Signature (PLS) is a validated gene expression profile used as a therapeutic target and surrogate biomarker for predicting the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Discovered by Professor Yujin Hoshida, this signature represents a high-risk biological state associated with liver fibrosis, inflammation, and eventual malignant transformation. It is currently utilized in drug discovery and clinical trials to identify chemopreventive agents, such as atorvastatin and nizatidine, which aim to modulate the signature and reduce cancer incidence. By targeting the underlying molecular pathways reflected in the PLS, researchers hope to intervene in the precancerous stage and improve long-term survival for patients with chronic liver disease.

Other names

Hoshida signature186-gene expression signaturePrognostic Liver SignaturePLS

Modulation of the 186-gene expression profile to reverse poor-prognosis signatures and inhibit pathways such as Hippo-YAP and HRH2 signaling to prevent liver cancer development.