To examine CtBP2 expression in HCC cell lines and to identify the most appropriate HCC cell model for further investigations, we conducted qRT-PCR assays and Western blots to detect CtBP2 mRNA and protein expression, respectively, in Hep3B, PLC/PRF/5, HepG2, MHCC97H and Huh7 cells. The gene discussed is CTBP2; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.