Continuous de novo cholesterogenesis and lipogenesis are frequently activated in tumors for providing extra lipids and lipid precursors during rapid cell proliferation.4 Several key enzymes have been identified to promote de novo lipid synthesis, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).5 However, detailed mechanisms of abnormal lipid metabolism have not yet been comprehensively identified during HCC progression. Here, SCD is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.