JBCGenetics |

Original Article

Published: Dec 04, 2025 | DOI: 10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors

Amna Atia

Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medicinal and aromatic plants and traditional medicine research institute (MAPTMRI), National center for research, Khartoum- Sudan

ORCID

Publication History

Received: May 02, 2025

Accepted: October 09, 2025

Published: December 04, 2025

Abstract

Abstract

Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a common and aggressive liver malignancy, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Dysregulation of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene critical for cell cycle control, apoptosis, and genomic stabilityis frequently observed in LIHC; however, its prognostic value remains uncertain.

Objectives:
To investigate TP53 expression levels, prognostic relevance, and molecular interactions in LIHC within a broader pan-cancer context.

Methods:
Publicly available datasets from TCGA and GEO were analyzed. TP53 differential expression was evaluated using TIMER 2.0, GEPIA, and UALCAN. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan-Meier Plotter, GEPIA, and UALCAN. Genomic alterations were assessed through cBioPortal. Gene expression validation was conducted using GEO2R and ggplot2. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING and GeneMANIA.

Results:
TP53 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in LIHC tumor tissues compared to normal liver tissues (p < 0.05). Promoter hypo-methylation was noted in tumor samples, potentially contributing to this up-regulation. Survival analysis revealed conflicting findings: Kaplan-Meier Plotter associated high TP53 expression with better prognosis (HR = 0.65, p = 0.029), whereas GEPIA and UALCAN linked high expression with poorer outcomes. Furthermore, TP53 expression positively correlated with immune cell infiltration and advanced clinical stage, suggesting a complex role in tumor progression.

Conclusion:
TP53 demonstrates a dual, context-dependent role in LIHC, acting as both a tumor suppressor and potential oncogenic driver. Its variable expression patterns and inconsistent prognostic associations highlight its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and support the need for further functional and clinical validation.

Keywords: TP53; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Prognosis; Gene expression; Tumor suppressor; Immune microenvironment; Bioinformatics.

Pubmed Style

Amna Atia. Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JBC Genetics. 2025; 04 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

Web Style

Amna Atia. Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. https://jbcgenetics.com/articles/2208 [Access: December 11, 2025]. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Amna Atia. Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JBC Genetics. (2025), [cited December 11, 2025]; 04 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

Harvard Style

Amna Atia (2025) Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JBC Genetics, 04 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

Chicago Style

Amna Atia. "Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." 04 (2025), -. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Amna Atia. "Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." 04.December 2025 (2025), -. Print. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Amna Atia (2025) Pan-cancer Analysis of TP53 Expression: Prognostic Significance and Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. , 04 (December 2025), -. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2208