Additionally, the mRNA expression of SKI-like (SKIL) and prostate transmembrane protein androgen induced 1 (PMEPA1) is identified to be elevated in HCC tumor tissues compared with controls using a next-generation sequencing approach, and positive correlation with TGF-β1 mRNA concentrations in HCC tissues is observed. The gene discussed is PMEPA1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.