As a result, collagen (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, and COL5A1), matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP1 and MMP), and chemokine (CCL3, 4, 5, and CXCR4) target genes were expressed in CAFs, leading to increased desmoplastic reactions in HCC. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and hepatocellular carcinoma.