ATF3 and cancer: Given the well-documented propensity of cancer cells to upregulate de novo fatty acid synthesis to fuel their uncontrolled growth [9,27], and considering the pivotal role of fatty acids as substrates for various lipid species essential for cancer progression, including diglycerides, triglycerides, and phosphoglycerides [28], our findings suggest a compelling association between high ATF3 expression, attenuated lipid biosynthesis, and improved prognosis in HCC patients.