MBD2a induces, whereas MBD2c represses, HCC tumorigenesis and CSC properties.A, Sphere formation and limiting dilution assays when overexpressing MBD2a or with HNRNPM depletion, MBD2c in MHCC97H cells. B, The cell proliferation by CCK-8 assays when overexpressing MBD2a or with HNRNPM depletion, MBD2c in MHCC97H cells. C, Cell migration and migration assay when overexpressing MBD2a or with HNRNPM depletion, MBD2c in MHCC97H cells. Data were from 3 independent experiments. ∗P < .05. D, Colony formation assay when overexpressing MBD2a or with HNRNPM depletion, MBD2c in MHCC97H cells. Data were from 3 independent experiments. ∗P < .05. E, The cell apotosis by flow cytometry when overexpressing MBD2a or with HNRNPM depletion, MBD2c in MHCC97H cells. Data were from 3 independent experiments. ∗P < .05. F, The protein expression of HNRNPM, MBD2a, MBD2c when downregulating SOX2, OCT4, and together with overexpressing HNRNPM by Western blot experiments. G, The in vivo effects in BALB/c nude mice when overexpressing MBD2a (n = 5) or with HNRNPM depletion (n = 5), MBD2c (n = 5). ns, Non-significant. ∗P < .05, ∗∗P < .01. P values were calculated using 1-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s multiple comparison test.