Compared with the normal tumor-adjacent tissues, the expression of HNF4alpha and E cadherin in either primary HCC or their metastases was mainly reduced, and the expression of Snail, Slug, Fibronectin and N-cadherin was mainly increased, suggesting that the reduced expression of HNF4alpha and E cadherin, and increased expression of Snail, Slug, Fibronectin and N-cadherin may be associated with the occurrence or progression of HCC. This evidence concerns the gene CDH2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.