Among the 6 genes tested (CDH1, CDH2, CTNNB1, ZEB1, SNAI1, and SNAI2), one EMT-inducing transcription factor (SNAI2) and one mesenchymal marker (CDH2) showed significant negative correlation with CLDN3 expression in CLDN3- knockdown or overexpression HCC cells (Fig. 6C). This evidence concerns the gene ZEB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.