Methylation of the HCBP6 promoter is associated with primary biliary cholangitis pathogenesis

Hepatitis C virus core-binding protein 6 (HCBP6), first characterized in our laboratory and also referred to as FUNDC2, is involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, platelet activation, and platelet survival. Here we demonstrate that hypermethylation of mitochondrial HCBP6 is linked Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) pathogenesis. Serum and liver levels of HCBP6 in PBC patients were reduced in comparison with controls. Further research confirmed a correlation between CpG1 hypermethylation and HCBP6 levels. Taken together, our results reveal another new feature of HCBP6. •For the first time, we revealed that HCBP6 is involved in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC).•At the same time, we revealed that the mechanism of HCBP6 involvement in PBC is methylation.•The exact methylation site was elucidated too.•HCBP6 may become a novel biomarker or target for the treatment of PBC.