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. 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 and non-tumorous tissue, respectively, as assessed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fat1 expression was further increased in HCC cells under hypoxia, and this induction was strongly repressed by pharmaceutical inhibition of HIF-1…