DefinePK

Abstract

The FAT gene family plays a notable role in various biological processes in vertebrates. They function as a tumor suppressor, maintaining planar cell polarity essential for the proper orientation of cells within a tissue. As with many solid tumors, OSCC also has an array of genetic alterations. FAT1 has garnered significant attention among the FAT genes (FAT1, FAT2, FAT3, and FAT4) due to its prominent role in cancer progression and its high mutation rate in various cancers, particularly among the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The down-regulation of FAT1 has a direct influence on the clinical outcome of patients with OSCC. The FAT1 mutation has shown its role in tumorigenesis and in metastasis in OSCC thus, making it an essential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the treatment of OSCC.