PLOD1 promotes the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma by facilitating the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3-dependent TCA cycle

The roles and underlying mechanisms of PLOD1 in the progression of HCC remain unclear. In this study, we report that PLOD1 is highly expressed in patients with HCC and promotes the proliferation and stemness of HCC cells by activating the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3-dependent TCA cycle. Knocking down hepatic PLOD1 using adeno-associated virus results in reduced progression of HCC in mice, suggesting that PLOD1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.