Firstly, we explored the EPB41L4A-AS2 expression in HCC cell lines (SMMC-7721, QGY-7703 and Huh7) and the hepatocyte cell line QSG-7701 and found that EPB41L4A-AS2 was downregulated in HCC cells (Fig. 1a). This evidence concerns the gene EPB41L4A and hepatocellular carcinoma.