Low expression of activating transcription factor 3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinicopathological significance.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To explore the expression and role of activating transcription factor 3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, Western blot assay and Real-time PCR were used to evaluate activating transcription factor 3 protein and gene level in HCC clinical samples. RESULTS: Activating transcription factor 3 expression is lowest in HCC, and the protein level is lower in patients with capsule invasion, while there is no association with other main clinical pathological features. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of ATF3 may function as a tumor suppressor during human hepatocellular oncogenesis and targeting ATF3 pathway might be beneficial for anti-HCC therapy.