Bmi1 and DKK1 are highly expressed in liver samples taken by biopsy from patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the effect of both Bmi1 and DKK1 on the carcinogenesis of adult hepatic stem cells (oval cells) has not previously been reported. The gene discussed is BMI1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.