Abstract: Objective We aim to detect the expression of NEK2 in hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）. The effects of NEK2 on proliferation，invasion and migration of HCC were also evaluated. Methods qRT ⁃ PCR and western blot were performed to detect the expression of NEK2 in paired HCC tissues compared to corresponding non⁃ tumorous liver tissues. We used publicly available data from GEPIA to evaluate the correlation of NEK2 with prog⁃ nosis in HCC. Stable NEK2 overexpression cell lines and knockdown cell lines were established. Cell proliferation was investigated by CCK⁃8 assays. Migratory and invasive abilities were conducted by transwell arrays. GEPIA was used to compare NEK2 expression with EMT markers. Results mRNA and protein level of NEK2 were both signififi cantly increased in HCC tissues compared to corresponding non⁃tumorous liver tissues（P < 0.05）. GEPIA data indicates that patients in high NEK2 group show poorer OS and DFS（P < 0.05）. Stable overexpression of NEK2 promoted proliferation，migration and invasion of HCC cells，whereas silencing of NEK2 inhibited proliferation， migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. GEPIA data indicates that the expression of NEK2 was positively correlated with EMT markers（Twist1，Vim，FN1，TJP1，TGFB1，CDH1，CD44 and JUP）. Conclusions These fifindings indicate that NEK2 promotes malignant biological behavior of HCC. The expression of NEK2 was positively correlated with EMT markers and may serve as a target for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.

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