Myc, Max, and Mnt: Molecular Mechanisms of Enhancement of Cholangiocarcinogenesis by Cholestasis

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed a strong effect of cholestasis on the development of cholangiocarcinoma, and the currently preferred model of cholangiocarcinoma progression uses bile duct ligation to enhance growth and metastasis of these tumors.1 However, the specific mechanisms by which cholestasis contributes to development of cholangiocarcinoma have not been completely elucidated. In this issue of Gastroenterology, Yang et al2 report on the influence of cholestasis induced by left and median bile duct ligation (LMBDL) on development of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced biliary preneoplastic lesions and cholangiocarcinomas in a mouse model. In accompanying functional studies, they elucidate several mechanistic events accompanying the induction of cholestasis that contribute to cholangiocarcinogenesis.