TGFB1 and cancer: Furthermore, these cytokines stimulate the expressionof extracellularmatrix components and build up fibrosis in different tissues in vivo.154 In the case of the liver, TGFβ appearsto contribute to all phases of disease development, from early damageto inflammation and fibrosis, through cirrhosis and HCC.156,157 In early cancer development, TGFβ may act as a tumor suppressor.Still, once tumor cells become resistant to its suppressive properties,it will promote tumor progression, migration, and invasion in advancedHCC.156,158