C-terminal-truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by activating the MAPK pathway

•We investigated the role and potential mechanism of ctHBX regulated by MAPK pathway involving in HCC development.•ctHBx significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion and colony-forming capability of HepG2 cells.•ctHBx may activates the ERK/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway via regulating cdc25C and p53 axis to regulate cell viability.•The conclusion about the relation of ctHBX and HCC would contribute to the prevention and treatment of HBV-induced HCC.