MAPK3 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Furthermore, adipocyte-secreted cytokines—including IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1)—expand the EpCAM+CD133+ HCC subset, which acquires migratory properties and sorafenib resistance via c-Met, STAT3, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway activation (241).