Having found that TGFβ enhances the myofibroblast phenotype of HCC CAFs (higher αSMA expression) and promotes PRG4 expression by these cells, and some liver cancer cells, we aimed to determine a possible impact of the tumor tissue expression of PRG4 functionally associated TGFβ, αSMA, and the best known PRG4 receptor, CD44, on the survival of HCC patients. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.