IL7R is expressed in HCC but not in normal liver cells, and can activate JAK2 to increase cell growth.57 SOCS3 is a negative regulator of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, and can inhibit JAK2 itself.58 Therefore, inhibition of JAK2 by SOCS3 could result in decreased proliferation. This evidence concerns the gene IL7R and hepatocellular carcinoma.