These results suggest that the expression of the transcription factor ERG plays a key role in mediating LPS-induced HPC differentiation into PDGFRα+ CAFs and the production of TGFβ, CSF1, CCL3 and CXCL12, which might be play key roles in the ISME of HCC. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.