CD44 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Moreover, RT-qPCR analysis showed enhanced expression of HCC (Afp, Gpc3), CSC (Aldh1a1, Cd133, Cd44, Klf4, Lgr5, Thy1), EMT (Snail, Zeb1) and fibrosis (αSma) related-genes in the livers from LPC pIL-17-engrafted mice (Figure 6C).