UBA52 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by regulating autophagy via EMC6, as evidenced by its association with increased HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of UBA52, which induces autophagy and reduces tumor growth and metastasis, suggests its potential as a therapeutic target for HCC. The gene discussed is UBA52; the disease is neoplasm.