Collectively, our results support the concept that dysregulation of miR-148a is associated with the poor prognosis of HCC and may account for the tumor progression to advanced stages, and that, of the newly identified targets, USP4 overexpression may contribute to HCC progression towards more aggressive feature presumably by facilitating TGF-β signaling pathways, growth advantage and migrating capability. Here, USP4 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.