Liver cancer: when context dictates a protein’s role
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most severe forms of liver cancer and poses a major therapeutic challenge due to the severe lack of targeted treatments. In this context, the ERMP1 protein has attracted the attention of researchers. Its increased expression in many cases of liver cancer suggests that it may play a role in the development or progression of the disease.
ERMP1, a protein whose role depends on the context
To explore the role of ERMP1 in liver cancer, Dr Monika Gjorgjieva’s research team, with the invaluable assistance of Dr Marta Correia de Sousa, used four distinct experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Their study, recently published in Cancer Letters, reveals a striking reality: ERMP1 does not behave in the same way in all contexts. In the absence of steatosis, the protein has no effect on tumour development. Conversely, when cancer arises against a background of steatosis - that is, when the liver is already compromised by an abnormal accumulation of fat- ERMP1 plays a protective role in tumour progression by influencing cholesterol metabolism, DNA repair and cell differentiation processes.
When cancer arises in a context of lipid perturbation (image on the right), the absence of the ERMP1 protein in mice increases the number of tumours (shown in blue). © adapted from Figure 2, Gjorgjieva et al. 2026 Cancer Letters.
The metabolic environment therefore determines the role of this protein in the development of liver cancer: without steatosis, ERMP1 has no influence on tumour development . It is only when the liver is in a state of metabolic distress that the protein comes into play.
This research reminds us that proteins do not act in isolation. ERMP1 behaves very differently depending on the tumour’s metabolic and genetic context.
Ultimately, this research could contribute to the development of more personalised therapeutic strategies for patients with liver cancer. However, further work is needed to clarify the value of ERMP1 as a biomarker.