In pcDNA3.1-KLF8-transfected HCC cells, VEGFA protein levels decreased significantly with LY294002 treatment compared to those of DMSO-treated HCC cells (0.60 ± 0.11 vs 1.23 ± 0.25, P < 0.05, n = 3), and KLF8 protein levels were not significantly different (0.90 ± 0.11 vs 1.14 ± 0.14, P > 0.05, n = 3) (Fig. 5a). This evidence concerns the gene VEGFA and hepatocellular carcinoma.