Finally, the mRNA expression of the HCC markers, CD133 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were enhanced in ATG5Mye−/− mice compared to WT mice after DEN challenge suggesting that DEN-treated-ATG5Mye−/− mice developed more aggressive HCC than their WT counterparts (Fig. 1D). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.