IDENTIFICATION OF AGE-RELATED HUB GENES IN HEPATITIS B-ASSOCIATED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA THROUGH TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS: INSIGHTS INTO PROGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS AND VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a considerable worldwide health challenge, especially in areas with elevated Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) incidence. Notwithstanding progress in immunization and antiviral therapies, chronic HBV carriers continue to face danger. The genetic diversity of HCC requires the discovery of new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This research investigates age-related hub genes in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptome analysis. Gene expression data from GEO (GSE45267 and GSE38941) were examined to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with GEO2R, then constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network through STRING and Cytoscape. Functional enrichment and survival studies were conducted with GO, KEGG, UALCAN, GEPIA, and KM plotter. We discovered 1,322 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HBV samples and 249 overlapping DEGs in both young and elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. PPI study identified significant hub genes: SYK, C3, CD44, IGLL5 (associated with HBV) and CDK1, UBE2C, BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC20, CCNA2, MAD2L1, BIRC5 (associated with HCC). These genes participate in immune response, metabolism, and tumour growth, with increased expression associated with worse prognosis. Our research elucidates essential molecular pathways linked with HBV-related HCC and aging-related tumour biology, pinpointing prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision medicine and vaccine innovation.