Several genes belonging to cell adhesion and matrix degradation were also identified to be associated with HCC metastasis, including genes encoding SPP1, α9-integrin, interleukin-2 receptor, serine proteinase inhibitor member-5, matrix metalloproteinase-9, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily A member-2 and CD37 antigen. Here, SPP1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.