On the other hand, administration of exogenous recombinant POSTN to heat-treated HCC residual cells resulted in the increased expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67, cyclin D1 and PCNA) and the induced changes of EMT markers (Snail, Vimentin, E-cadherin and N-cadherin) and showing a spindle-shaped appearance (Fig. 2c–f). This evidence concerns the gene PCNA and hepatocellular carcinoma.