Subsequently, predicted target genes were subjected to KEGG pathway analysis and the results revealed some important cancer and stem-related pathways including metabolic pathways, apoptosis, pathways in cancer, focal adhesion, Notch and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (Fig. 3c), in which the transcription factor E2F7 was a candidate involved in tumorigenesis and cancer stemness in HCC. This evidence concerns the gene E2F7 and hepatocellular carcinoma.