Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNA-130a (miR-130a) function as a tumor suppressor, involved in many biological processes including tumor initiation, development and metastasis. However, the function and underlying molecular mechanism of miR-130a in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains to be further elucidated. During to the resistant to chemo-/radio-therapy and high recurrence/metastatic rate after surgery, fiveyear survival rate of patients diagnosed with HCC is still unsatisfied. Thus, exploring the underlying mechanism of HCC and finding new treatment targets is essential for improving the survival rate of HCC patients. In the present study, we measured the dysregulated level of miR-130a in clinical HCC tissues and HCC cells, and to investigate its function and underlying mechanisms in the initial and progression of HCC. The current study revealed that miR130a expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays indicated that forced expression of miR-130a in HCC cells inhibited cell proliferation and migration/invasion. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that ZEB1/2 was targets gene of miR-130a. The results of the present study indicated that miR-130a could be a potential target for treating HCC.