Objective:To detect the expression and study the role of nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV CCN3)in hepatocelluar carcinoma(HCC). Methods:The expressions of CCN3 mRNA in HCC samples and cell lines were detected by real-time PCR,and the expressions of CCN3 protein in HCC tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues were assessed by Western blot. In addition,invasion of HCC cells was observed after overexpressing CCN3 by Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay. Results:In the total of 50 paired HCC specimens,compared with the adjacent non-cancer tissues,the expression of CCN3 mRNA was up-regulated in 39 cases,and the expression of CCN3 protein in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent non-cancer tissues. Overexpression of CCN3 enhanced HCC-derived MHCC-97H,SMMC-7721 cellular invasion in vitro. Conclusion:This study indicates CCN3 is frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma,and contributes to tumor cell invasion. The study of CCN3 may provide a novel therapeutic idea for prevention and treatment of invasion in HCC.