Conversely, SOX2 overexpression decreased the level of MUC15 and increased the levels of c-MET, p-AKT in hepatoma spheroids (Fig. 6J), which further clarify that the MUC15/c-MET/PI3K/AKT/SOX2/miR-183-5p.1 regulatory circuit in liver T-ICs. Here, AKT1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.