Integrative Analysis of Histone Deacetylases Reveals the Potential Role and Prognostic Value of HDAC7 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a complex malignancy characterized by molecular mechanisms that remain incompletely elucidated, underscoring the necessity for identifying genetic markers. Members of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family are integral to epigenetic regulation, influencing chromatin architecture and transcriptional activity, thereby modulating gene expression within eukaryotic cells. Dysregulation of HDACs has been implicated in the initiation of aberrant transcriptional programs, contributing to the oncogenesis and progression of various cancers, including HCC. Despite the extensive HDAC family, the specific roles of individual members in HCC are not well-defined. This study utilizes data derived from clinical specimens and comprehensive databases to demonstrate that histone deacetylases, particularly HDAC7, exhibit differential expression in HCC samples, which correlates with significant variations in prognosis and pathological staging. Furthermore, functional enrichment analyses of HDAC7 and its co-expressed genes indicate that HDAC7 may act as an oncogene by modulating the expression of genes associated with key tumorigenic pathways. The analysis of immune cell infiltration further elucidates the association between HDAC7 expression levels and various immune cell types. In summary, HDAC7 emerges as a potential biomarker for the prognosis and diagnosis of HCC, providing significant insights for future research and therapeutic strategies.