We also performed the Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test analyses in the Kaplan–Meier plotters database and the result showed that the mRNA expression of FTL, GRN, NPC2, and HEXB were significantly related to the OS in HCC patients (all P < 0.05) (Fig. 5B). Here, NPC2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.