Interestingly, we observed a correlation of IMP2 expression with the oval/stem cell marker DLK1. 15 DLK1 was previously shown to correspond with poor survival in HCC.34 Oval cells share phenotypic markers with embryonic hepatoblasts, in which DLK1 is also highly expressed.35 The cytoplasmatic appearance of DLK1 in p62 transgenic mice reveals a fetal phenotype as previously reported for HCC and hepatoblastoma tissue.36 Secreted DLK1, suggested as a serum marker for hepatoblastoma,37 was elevated in sera of p62 transgenic mice. This evidence concerns the gene IGF2BP2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.