Because downregulated SVEP1 expression increased p-Akt-thr308 in Hep3B and MHCCLM3 cells, we hypothesized that the phosphorylation of Akt at thr308 is the downstream molecular mechanism by which SVEP1 knock down induces proliferation and metastasis in HCC cells. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.