These data strongly suggest that ARHGAP11A may regulate HCC cell proliferation via C-myc and Cyclin D. Though ARHGAP11A has been reported to interact with p53 to induce human glioma U87 cell apoptosis, previously [6], our results indicate that ARHGAP11A does not affect p53 expression (Additional file 5: Figure S3) or cell apoptosis in HCC. This evidence concerns the gene MYC and hepatocellular carcinoma.