Glucagon signaling via supraphysiologic GCGR can reduce cell viability without stimulating gluconeogenic gene expression in liver cancer cells.

For the first time, we report a potential tumor suppressive role for glucagon/GCGR in liver cancer. Specifically, we identified a novel cell line-specific phenotype, whereby glucagon signaling can induce apoptosis via an undetermined mechanism. Future studies should explore the potential effects of glucagon in diabetic liver cancer patients.