Analysis of Genes Associated with Liver Cancer Development

Abstract

Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to its aggressive nature and potential for metastasis. This study aimed to identify key genes associated with liver cancer using RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Through differential expression analysis, five genes-GABBR2, KRBA1, SEZ6, LRRC28, and ASB7-were identified as significantly associated with liver cancer, with GABBR2 and SEZ6 exhibiting the most prominent associations. The analysis involved data preprocessing, rigorous statistical screening (P value and logFC), and comprehensive validation through violin plots, heatmaps, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. The results highlighted the involvement of these genes in critical biological processes, such as signal transduction and enzyme regulation, which are pivotal in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. The significant enrichment of these genes in specific GO terms further supports their potential role in liver cancer progression. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of liver cancer, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for future research and clinical applications.