Because of the HSP20 phosphorylation suppressed HuH7 cell migration and invasion (Figs 1C, 3 and 4B), and HSP20 expression levels reportedly correlate with TGF-α-induced JNK activation in human HCC tissues [23], we next observed the relationship between phospho-HSP20 protein level in human HCC tissues and tumor invasion. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK8 and hepatocellular carcinoma.