Additionally, Fgf18 secreted by myofibroblasts predominantly signaled to HSCs through Fgfr2, with weaker signaling through Fgfr1. These scRNA-seq data support our in vitro findings and indicate that myofibroblasts communicate with HSCs via both the Fgf18-Fgfr1/2 and Spp1-Integrin signaling pathways, highlighting their involvement in the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. The gene discussed is FGF18; the disease is Hepatic fibrosis.