The HOX gene family is a network of genes that encode DNA‐binding proteins.12 This family is highly conserved throughout the whole evolution process and is involved in many signal transduction pathways, such as cell development, migration and differentiation.12, 13 HOXD9 is a member of the homeobox gene family.14 HOXD9 showed high upregulation in invasive HCC cells. Here, LBX1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.