Matrix stiffness induces lipolysis in HSCs via activating the FAK–YAP signaling pathway. A, Western blot analysis of LX-2 cells cultured on 1 kPa, 10 kPa, and 25 kPa polyacrylamide hydrogels. B, Western blot analysis of LX-2 cells cultured on 25 kPa treated with DMSO, 10 μmol/L FAK inhibitor PF-573228 (FAKi), or 0.1 μmol/L YAP inhibitor verteporfin (YAPi) for 24 hours. C, Representative images (left) and quantification (right) of lipid level in LX-2 cells with indicated treatment (one-way ANOVA; n = 5 independent experiments). D, Representative images (left) and quantification (right) of labeled lipids within DLD1 and HCT116 cells after coculturing for 48 hours with LX-2 cells treated as indicated. Scale bar, 5 μm (one-way ANOVA; n = 5 independent experiments). E and F, FAO rate (E) and Western blot analysis (F) of DLD1 and HCT116 cells treated with indicated CM (one-way ANOVA; n = 5 independent experiments). Data are graphed as the mean ± SD. Scale bar, 5 μm. ns, not significant; P > 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.