Three independent studies have identified stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1), an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), as a critical player in mediating HCC tumorigenesis and CSC properties.115–117 SCD1 is significantly upregulated in hepatic stellate cells and HCC cells from patients, and its expression is associated with more advanced HCC stage and shorter disease-free survival. This evidence concerns the gene SCD and hepatocellular carcinoma.