Objective:To identify the novel function of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in liver carcinoma cell HCCC-9810 proliferation and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods:The proliferation of HCCC-9810 treated with HGF was detected by MTT assay and EdU assay. The expression of Akt in HCCC-9810 cells was inhibited by siRNA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of cyclin D1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt. Results:Both 50 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml HGF significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCCC-9810. Western blotting assay showed that HGF downregulated the expression of cyclin D1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt in HCCC-9810 cells. Conclusion:These results suggest that HGF inhibited the proliferation of HCCC-9810 by suppressing the expression of cyclin D1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt. SiRNA interfered the expression of Akt,and blocked HGF-induced downregulation of cyclin D1 expression and inhibition of cell proliferation.