Role of the S100 protein family in liver disease (Review).

Abstract

Liver disease is a significant health challenge worldwide and comprises liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the lack of effective treatments, the prognosis of end‑stage liver disease (including advanced liver cirrhosis and HCC) is often poor. S100 proteins are a type of Ca2+ binding protein, which are expressed in a cell‑specific manner in vertebrates. These proteins are involved in numerous functions, such as serving as intracellular Ca2+ sensors, transduction of Ca2+ signals and regulation of extracellular factors that affect cellular activity by binding to a range of membrane receptors. Evidence has shown that S100 proteins serve key roles in the occurrence and development of liver disease and can be used as potential therapeutic targets or diagnosis markers. For example, certain studies have suggested that blocking S100 protein expression may be an innovative treatment strategy. The present review focuses on the functions of the S100 protein family in liver disease.