Elevated levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in HCC[115], could similarly drive tumor progression, as this bacterium activates the YAP (Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator) pathway and suppresses the FOXD3/METTL3/KIF26B axis in colorectal cancer—a mechanism that may also operate in HCC[127], beyond direct oncogenic effects, intratumoral microbiota actively reshape the TME by modulating immune function and metabolism. Here, KIF26B is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.