Subsequently we clarified a significance between the gene expression level (integrinβ1 or LOX/Collagen I) and overall survival time in the HCC cohort (P < 0.05, Fig. 6e), revealing that high expression of stiffness-related marker (integrin β1 or LOX/Collage I) better indicates unfavorable survival of HCC patients. This evidence concerns the gene LOX and hepatocellular carcinoma.