As expected, Bcl-xL levels were positively correlated with PGAM5 expression in HCC patients from both the TMUCH and SYSUCC cohorts (Pearson’s R: 0.58, p < 0.01 and Pearson’s R: 0.67, p < 0.01, respectively, Fig. 6a, b). This evidence concerns the gene PGAM5 and hepatocellular carcinoma.