Comprehensive analysis of ESR1-related ceRNA axis as a novel prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: To further understand, detect and treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is urgent to conduct more in-depth research on the mechanism of sex-associated differences. Materials & methods: We established a ceRNA triple regulatory axis associated with ESR1 in HCC and performed expression, survival and nuclear–cytoplasmic localization analyses. In addition to this, we performed methylation analysis and immune infiltration analysis of the ceRNA axis. Results: We constructed the LINC01018/hsa-miR-197-3p/GNA14 (lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA) ceRNA axis to further explain the mechanism of sex-related prognosis in the development of HCC and to provide new insights into candidate biomarkers for targeted therapies. Conclusion: Our study is an innovative attempt at demonstrating the mechanism underlying the prognosis associated with sex differences in HCC by constructing a ceRNA axis (LINC01018/hsa-miR-197-3p/GNA14).