Overexpression of PTPN13 in HCC cell lines MHCC97H and HepG2 significantly reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 but not Src, indicating that PTPN13 may act as a tumor suppressor via ERK1/2 and/or STAT3 signaling in HCC. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is neoplasm.