Loss of Runt-Related Transcription Factor 3 Expression Associated with Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Prognosis

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the expression level of runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in human primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and its relationship with the clinic pathological features. Methods: RUNX3 expression was analyzed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in HCC cells and tissues. Results: RUNX3 mRNA and protein expression was decreased in HCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001), mRNA frequently being down-regulated in HCC cell lines (66.7%, 4/6). Low expression of RUNX3 showed a significant correlation with cirrhosis (P=0.028), histologic type (P=0.000) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.004). Conclusion: RUNX3 expression is deleted or decreased in HCCs and cell lines, in association with progression and prognosis.