Thus, in liver tumour cells, TGF-β regulates a balance between both pro- and anti-apoptotic signals, which is critical for cell fate decisions.8 Cells that circumvent its pro-apoptotic action may undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT),9 further acquiring increased migratory10 and drug resistance capabilities.11 Previously, we have shown that mainly poorly differentiated HCC cell lines resist the cytostatic effect of TGF-β. Here, TGFB1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.