The two subtypes of HCCs developed in the Akt1/N-Ras HCC mouse model could be easily distinguished based on the pattern of in vivo bioluminescence, and therefore are useful in studies characterizing differences in immunological features between nodular HCCs and diffuse HCCs and also for development of therapeutic strategies for treatment of the two subtypes of HCCs. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.