MAP1LC3A and hepatocellular carcinoma: Given that patients lacking LC3 in the HCC tissues (both -/- and -/+) had an almost similar risk of mortality (HR 6.74 vs. 6.70, respectively), the presence of LC3 in the HCC tissues may have a high impact on protection against mortality, and LC3 expression in the HCC tissues may be important for enhancing overall survival.