The presence of high expression of CXCL12-ITGB1 pair (Figure 6D, right panel) could promote the stem-like properties of OV6+ CSCs in HCC through Wnt/β-catenin pathway 36, while VEGFA-ITGAV pair may implicate the initiation and stemness in various tumors 37. Here, VEGFA is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.