GJB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: In a recent study, based on the novel finding that overexpressed Cx32 is internalized and associated with clinicopathological parameters and poor prognosis in HCC tissues, we speculated that cytoplasmic Cx32 may accelerate the occurrence and development of HCC, in a manner depended on the proper function of Cx32 proteins rather than on Cx32-mediated GJ channels.