CCN2 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between the oncogenes Myc and Ctgf and the oncosuppressors Gnmt and Bhmt with the genetic predisposition to HCC, the levels of these genes were determined in preneoplastic liver lesions and HCCs from F344 rats, genetically susceptible to hepatocarcinogenesis, and in those resistant BN rats.