However in another study reduced expression of CLDN-1 was reported to be a marker for a poor prognosis in HCC [49], and a further study showed that reduced expression of CLDN-1 reinforced the invasive and cancer stem cell (CSC) like properties of HCC cell lines (Huh7 and Hep3B) in vitro, while the forced expression of CLDN-1 diminished the CSC-like properties of HCC cells [116]. Here, CLDN1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.