ANGPT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Therefore, as the Ang-2 expression is higher at the invasive front of the HCC tissue, compared to the center of the tumor, and Ang-2 overexpression contributes to VEGF-mediated neovascularization of the growing tumor; the upregulation of Ang-1 might promote stabilization and maturation of the newly-formed vessels [17].