Generally, PIM2 up-regulation enhanced HCC cells’ ability to proliferate and to tolerate apoptosis through elevating the expression of CCND1 and Survivin, these are important for the initial stage of HCC tumorigenesis; PIM2 overexpression upregulated HIF1α and VEGF and enhanced angiogenesis, a rate limiting factor of HCC progression, which is critical for the progression of HCC; furthermore, PIM2 upregulation could elevate the expression of MMP9 and enhance HCC cells’ metastatic ability, which is pivotal for the development of advanced stage HCC. Here, HIF1A is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.