Our previous results demonstrate that the CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling axis plays a critical role in IFF-induced HCC invasion, but utilization of a CXCR4 antagonist and the CXCL12 neutralizing antibody does not eliminate this flow-induced invasion entirely (Figs 2 and 3). This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and hepatocellular carcinoma.