To regulate the arrangement of VM in the TME, CAFs release SDF-1, TGF-β, and HGF, which combine with their corresponding membrane receptors on tumor cells, including CXCR4, TGF-βR1, and c-Met, to modify the plasticity of HCC cells (47, 48). This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.