ALB and hepatocellular carcinoma: Therefore, it is likely that TM4SF5WT-mediated NCOA3 stabilization in the cytosol may lead to tumor nodule size and number expansion and HCC progression via TM4SF5-promoted ALB uptake, especially in an environment in which high [ALB]serum may be available, presumably recapitulating earlier HCC development and expansion with less hepatocyte malignancy and functional loss.