also reported for the first time that activated HSC-derived COMP regulates the gene expression of mesenchymal and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in HCC cells through CD36, causing abnormal phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, with crosstalk between PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling (106). The gene discussed is COMP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.