On the other hand, since HPCs gradually lose EpCAM expression along with its maturation into hepatocytes 37, 38 and EpCAM inhibits hepatocytic differentiation in human liver progenitors, the decreased EpCAM levels in C3G knock-down oval cells might facilitate its differentiation into hepatocytes 39, also preventing the development of liver fibrosis 40. This evidence concerns the gene EPCAM and Hepatic fibrosis.