As for the stage-specific DEGs, networks could only be constructed with upregulated unique DEGs in BCLC stage 0 and upregulated unique DEGs in BCLC stage C. As shown in Fig 6C, the VCAM1, HNRNPA2B1, PSMB1, and PSMA5 genes were significant hub genes in the interactome networks of DEGs in BCLC stage 0, and CBX5, RUVBL1, MORF4L2, RPS19, RPL22, RPL18, RPL27A, RPS20, and RPS3A were significant hub genes in the interactome networks of DEGs in BCLC stage C of HBV-related HCC. Here, PSMA5 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.