In defining a central role for STAT3 in FGF19-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, the data presented in this report extend previous findings on the causal role played by STAT3 in hepatocellular tumorigenesis44, 45, and suggest that STAT3 may serve as a common signalling node in the development of HCC associated with diverse etiologies, including viral infection, and metabolic and hormonal dysregulation. The gene discussed is FGF19; the disease is viral infectious disease.