In this study, by applying a functional and integrative transcriptomics approach based on the well-characterized HepaRG model of tumor hepatocyte differentiation, we identified a minimal subset of seven genes (HMGCS2, BDH1, ALDH2, PIPOX, HAO1, AQP9 and PAH) predicting the survival of patients with cancer. The gene discussed is ALDH2; the disease is cancer.