Objective To investigate expression of PP2CE in human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tissues and the clinical pathological significance,and test its sub-cellular localization in liver cells and HCC cells.Methods A total of 50 samples of HCC tissues and their para-carcinoma tissues were collected in Tongji Hospital(Wuhan).PP2CE mRNA and protein levels were detected in HCC tissues and their para-carcinoma tissues by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method.Immunofluorescent assay was performed to test the sub-cellular localization of PP2CE in the cells.Results PP2CE mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in HCC tissues as compared with those in para-carcinoma tissues(both P＜0.05).Immunohistochemistry analysis found that PP2CE expression was associated with tumor size,differentiated degree,portal vein invasion and clinical stage(both P＜0.05).Immunofluorescent assay suggested that PP2CE was mainly located in the cytoplasm and perinuclear area.Conclusion PP2CE is reduced in HCC and may be implicated in the development and progression of HCC.