# Identification of Dhx15 as a Major Regulator of Liver Development, Regeneration, and Tumor Growth in Zebrafish and Mice

## TL;DR

This study shows that the RNA helicase Dhx15 is crucial for liver development, regeneration, and tumor growth in zebrafish and mice, and its levels are elevated in patients with liver cancer.

## Contribution

The study identifies Dhx15 as a key regulator of liver physiology and tumor growth in multiple species and explores its potential as a diagnostic marker.

## Key findings

- Dhx15 deficiency impairs liver development in zebrafish and regeneration in mice.
- Dhx15 silencing reduces tumor growth in a hepatocellular carcinoma model.
- Elevated Dhx15 levels in blood are observed in patients with liver cancer.

## Abstract

RNA helicase DHX15 plays a significant role in vasculature development and lung metastasis in vertebrates. In addition, several studies have demonstrated the overexpression of DHX15 in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that this helicase may play a significant role in liver regeneration, physiology, and pathology. Dhx15 gene deficiency was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 in zebrafish and by TALEN-RNA in mice. AUM Antisense-Oligonucleotides were used to silence Dhx15 in wild-type mice. The hepatocellular carcinoma tumor induction model was generated by subcutaneous injection of Hepa 1-6 cells. Homozygous Dhx15 gene deficiency was lethal in zebrafish and mouse embryos. Dhx15 gene deficiency impaired liver organogenesis in zebrafish embryos and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice. Also, heterozygous mice presented decreased number and size of liver metastasis after Hepa 1-6 cells injection compared to wild-type mice. Dhx15 gene silencing with AUM Antisense-Oligonucleotides in wild-type mice resulted in 80% reduced expression in the liver and a significant reduction in other major organs. In addition, Dhx15 gene silencing significantly hindered primary tumor growth in the hepatocellular carcinoma experimental model. Regarding the potential use of DHX15 as a diagnostic marker for liver disease, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma showed increased levels of DHX15 in blood samples compared with subjects without hepatic affectation. In conclusion, Dhx15 is a key regulator of liver physiology and organogenesis, is increased in the blood of cirrhotic and hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and plays a key role in controlling hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth and expansion in experimental models.