Moreover, HDGFRP3 increases the basal level of ERK phosphorylation/activation and enhances the duration of EGF-mediated activation of ERK1/2 in hepatocellular carcinomas cells (43), suggesting that HDGFRP3 may serve as a novel molecular target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.