MAPK3 and cancer: ERK1/2 is known to enhance proliferation of cancer and represents a promising target in cancer treatment.[33] It may also facilitate EMT of HCC according to the latest reports.[25, 34] In the present study, we found NRF1-LPCAT1 axis could positively regulate ERK1/2 activation and thus promote proliferation and invasion of HCC, which further deepened our understanding of upstream factors regulating ERK1/2 in HCC.