The landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Tumor-associated Telocytes Integrated Single-nucleus RNA Sequence and Transcriptomics Technology

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main malignant tumor in humans, known for its high metastasis and lethality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in HCC are still unclear. Methods: To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) assay and transcriptomic technology. This approach allowed us to uncover genetic changes in cancer cells and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, leading to the identification of potential hub genes for HCC. Results: Our study analyzed snRNA-seq and transcriptomics data, revealing novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC and identifying characteristic biomarkers for telocytes (TCs) through bioinformatics analysis. Notably, STAB2, OIT3, BMPER, MARCO, CRHBP, and FCN2 showed high specificity and sensitivity in predicting the prognosis or development of HCC. Conclusion: TMC5 and TRABD2B were identified as unique biomarkers for TCs in the liver. These DEGs warrant further investigation to validate their potential implications in HCC.