Notably, many studies have indicated that ceRNA networks play an important role in the tumorigenesis and cancer progression of HCC, including cancer cell growth, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and chemoresistance (10, 11). For example, lncRNA AGAP2-AS1 upregulates ANXA11 expression by sponging miR-16-5p and promotes proliferation and metastasis in HCC (12); lncRNA DANCR promotes HCC progression and regulates EMT by sponging miR-27a-3p via ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway (13). This evidence concerns the gene DANCR and hepatocellular carcinoma.