Objective：This study aims to explore the expression of ANKRD1 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and investigate the function and mechanism of ANKRD1 in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of HCC. Methods：The relative expression of ANKRD1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Clinicopathological analysis was used to assess the association of ANKRD1 with the clinical feature of HCC patients. ANKRD1 was knocked down or overexpressed in HCC cell lines by lentiviral infection. The effects of ANKRD1 on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells were detected by CCK-8 assay，wound healing assay，transwell assay，EdU assay in vitro and subcutaneous tumor model in vivo. The activity of epithelial - mesenchymal transition(EMT)pathway was examined by Western blot. Results：ANKRD1 was upregulated in HCC. Overexpression of ANKRD1 promoted the proliferation，migration and invasion of HCC cells，while knockdown of ANKRD1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Western blot and immunohisbochemical assay of subcutaneous tumor showed that ANKRD1 could activate EMT pathway. Conclusion：ANKRD1 is upregulated in HCC and promotes the proliferation and migration of HCC cells by regulating the EMT pathway，providing a potential therapeutic target for HCC.