In conclusion, we have shown that miR-122 directly and specifically binds to the 3’UTR of human AKT3, and over-expression of miR-122 in HBV-transformed HCC cell lines is able to decrease AKT3, at both the transcript and protein level, to block cell migration, induce apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth in mice. This evidence concerns the gene AKT3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.