To determine whether cell surface GRP78 affected the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, we examined the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in serum-free medium conditioned by SMMC7721 and Mahlavu cells, which were treated by the N-20 antibody. This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and hepatocellular carcinoma.