Keratin 19 (KRT19) expression in HCC is regulated via crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells through a MET-ERK1/2-AP1 and SP1 pathwayHSCs upregulate transcription and translation of KRT19 in HCC cells via paracrine interactionsHSC-derived HGF activates c-MET and the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway, which upregulates KRT19 expression in HCC cellsIn HCC specimens, HGF and KRT19 protein expression correlated with CAF levels. Here, HGF is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.