Moreover, MTT assay showed that knocking down FOXO3a reversed the inhibitory effect of URGCP/URG4-knockdown on cell proliferation (Figure 6C and 6D), suggesting an important role of the Akt/FOXO3a axis in mediating the pro-proliferative effect of URGCP/URG4 in HCC. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.