Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) overexpression as a target for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Abstract

This invention further provides methods for determining whether an agent causes a reduction in the activity of a Granulin-Epithelin Precursor (GEP) protein in a cell. This invention also provides methods for reducing the expression of Granulin-Epithelin Precursor (GEP) protein in a cell. This invention also provides methods for determining whether a subject is afflicted with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This invention provides methods for determining whether a subject is afflicted with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) This invention further provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which specifically interferes with the expression of the Granulin-Epithelin Precursor (GEP) protein in the tumor cells of the subject.