Consistently, LL22NC03-N14H11.1 overexpression boosted, whereas its downregulation reduced, Drp1 phosphorylation on S616, thus confirming the involvement of LL22NC03-N14H11.1 in the positive regulation of mitochondrial fragmentation; in line with this effect, Drp1 overexpression abrogated the negative effects on cell proliferation triggered by LL22NC03-N14H11.1 antagonism, reducing the activation of apoptotic pathways, while restoring invasion and migration of HCC cell lines. This evidence concerns the gene DNM1L and hepatocellular carcinoma.