CXCL5 has been identified as a crucial mediator downstream of the transcription protein sex-determining region Y-box 9 (Sox9) and since Sox9 is required for the self-renewal and tumor propagation of liver cancer stem cells (CSCs; 35); it has been characterized as a candidate CSC marker of HCC (36). This evidence concerns the gene CXCL5 and hepatocellular carcinoma.