This study suggests that the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a significant role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and highlights the role of a protein called PTPN13, which is known to regulate FAS-induced apoptosis and NGFR-mediated proapoptotic signaling negatively. The gene discussed is PTPN13; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.