IGF2 and hepatocellular carcinoma: IGF2BP2 activated IGF2, which is associated with various effectors, including MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways, and transcription factors such as Ras that are implicated in tumorigenesis.23, 24 The importance of IGF2BP2 was highlighted by protein kinase inhibitor sorafenib, which is thought to act by inhibiting KRAS.25 IGF2BP2 protein levels were upregulated in HCC cells and tissues and were inversely correlated with miR-216b expression.