# LPCAT1 as a prognostic biomarker and risk indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma: insights into genes related to lipid metabolism

## TL;DR

This study identifies LPCAT1 as a key biomarker for predicting outcomes in liver cancer patients and suggests it could be a target for treatment.

## Contribution

The novel 8-gene lipid metabolism-related risk score (LMrisk) and functional validation of LPCAT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

## Key findings

- The LMrisk signature effectively stratified patient survival in HCC.
- LPCAT1 was identified as a central gene in lipid metabolism and tumor progression.
- Overexpression of LPCAT1 increased cancer cell proliferation and migration.

## Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy. Lipid metabolic reprogramming influences therapy response, but its prognostic value is undefined.

From TCGA and GEO data, we derived an 8-gene lipid metabolism-related risk score (LMrisk) via LASSO regression. Its associations with tumor immunity and drug sensitivity were analyzed. The lead gene, LPCAT1, was functionally assessed in vitro.

The LMrisk signature robustly stratified patient survival in both cohorts. Integrated analysis identified LPCAT1 as a hub gene. Its overexpression in HCC cells potently enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion.

LPCAT1 is a vital prognostic biomarker and putative therapeutic target in HCC.