The metastasis size, myofibroblast density, recruitment of angiogenic LSECs, and Ki67-expressing cell fraction in DDR2-/- hepatic metastases are significantly higher than those in DDR2+/+ hepatic metastases. DDR2-/- HSCs with or without the activation by tumor significantly increase MCA38 cancer cell migration and adhesion to LSEC. DDR2 deficiency reduces gene expression of IL-18 and insulin-like growth factor-I, and increases gene expression of prometastatic factors IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF. The gene discussed is MKI67; the disease is cancer.