Although it has been suggested that the SLC transporters may be an important regulator of the tumor-specific absorption and distribution of NIRF dye MHI-148, there is yet limited understanding of whether ABC transporters is involved in the efflux of MHI-148 in HCC cells, and what the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of membrane transporters on tumor-targeting properties of MHI-148 are. The gene discussed is ABCG2; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.