Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Uncovering Shared and Unique Molecular Signatures Across Diverse Etiologies

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, often diagnosed at advanced stages where treatment options are limited. This study undertakes a comprehensive meta-analysis of gene expression profiles from 19 independent datasets sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), encompassing a diverse range of HCC etiologies, including HBV and HCV infections, cirrhosis, and normal liver comparisons. Our analysis identified over 9,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 125 genes consistently altered across multiple datasets, underscoring their potential as critical biomarkers for HCC. Notably, we observed significant dysregulation in pathways related to cell cycle regulation, immune response, and metabolic processes. The integration of these DEGs across various HCC subtypes provides novel insights into the molecular heterogeneity of HCC, offering promising avenues for the development of targeted therapies and personalized medicine. This extensive repository of DEGs serves as a valuable resource for the scientific community, facilitating further research into the underlying mechanisms of HCC and the pursuit of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.