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

Background and AimTo explore the expression and role of activating transcription factor 3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsImmunohistochemistry, Western blot assay and Real-time PCR were used to evaluate activating transcription factor 3 protein and gene level in HCC clinical samples.ResultsActivating 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.ConclusionsLow expression of ATF3 may function as a tumor suppressor during human hepatocellular oncogenesis and targeting ATF3 pathway might be beneficial for anti-HCC therapy.