Fat1 expression is increased in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes tumorigenesis

Fat1 is an atypical cadherin and in vitro studies indicate that it plays a role in cell polarity and migration. In some tumors as breast cancer FAT1 is over-expressed while FAT1 expression is reduced or deleted in others as astrocytic tumors or cholangiocarcinoma.The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and function of Fat1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods and Results: Fat1 mRNA and protein are increased in human HCC cell lines and tissues compared to normal primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and non-tumorous tissue as assessed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fat…