Objective:To elucidate the function of hypoxia,and investigate the underlying mechanisms whereby hepatic carcinoma cell migration is regulated. Methods:Under hypoxia microenvironment,the migration of MHCC-97L hepatic carcinoma cells were detected using wound healing assay. Then we analyzed the migration of MHCC-97L cells after blocking Wnt5a expression using siRNA. Results:The mRNA transcription of HIF-1α and Wnt5a in MHCC-97L cells were upregulated under hypoxia microenvironment. HIF-1α siRNA suppressed the mRNA transcription of Wnt5a in MHCC-97L cells under hypoxia microenvironment. Wnt5a siRNA were capable of retarding hypoxia-induced MHCC-97L cell migration. Conclusion:It is demonstrated that hypoxia promotes MHCC-97L cell migration via HIF-1α and Wnt5a signaling. These findings could provide a rationale for designing novel therapy based on inhibition of hepatic carcinoma metastasis.