CDCA Levels Are Prognostic and Diagnostic Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Little is known about the precise molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cell division cycle-associated (CDCA) genes, consisting of seven family members, are pivotal for cell mitosis and contribute to tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers. However, the relationship between CDCA genes and HCC have not been largely reported. Here, we aimed to assess the prognostic and diagnostic value of CDCA genes in HCC. Methods: Multiple public databases integrating genetic, mRNA and proteomic microarray data were used to validate the survival and diagnostic value of CDCA genes in HCC. Furthermore, a functional analysis was conducted to predict the potential mechanisms involved. Findings: We observed significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of CDCA in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues, and high CDCA mRNA expression indicated unfavorable overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients. Besides, Cox regression analysis showed that CDCA subunits acted as independent prognostic factors for patient OS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that CDCA levels were of great diagnostic value in HCC. Moreover, the functional analysis revealed that CDCA proteins may regulate the biological activity of hepatoma through the AMPK and p53 signaling pathways. Interpretation: CDCA levels are prognostic and diagnostic markers for HCC and deserve further study. Funding Statement: This work was supported by The Scientific Research Project of Medical Service of National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NO. JDZX2015173), The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 81702375) and The Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (NO. 2016A030313200). Declaration of Interests: All authors have declared that they have no conflicts of interest related to the contents of this article. Ethics Approval Statement: Not required.