Further analysis showed that knocking out RNF173 resulted in upregulation of mesenchymal markers (Vimentin and Snail) and downregulation of epithelial markers (E-cadherin) both in vitro and in orthotopic tumor model, indicating that low expression of RNF173 can enhance HCC cell invasiveness and metastasis and induce EMT. This evidence concerns the gene MARCHF3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.