TGFB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Likewise, in an in vitro model of Hepatitis B Virus- (HBV-) induced HCC, increased levels of TGF-β in the conditioned medium of HUVECs boosted the expression of mesenchymal markers, including CD133, and promoted an aggressive phenotype in stimulated Hepatitis B-X Protein- (HBx-) infected hepatoma cells [80].