HOXD9 and cancer: In summary, previous studies revealed pivotal cancer-related functions of PLOD2, HOXD9, BOP1, and RAB26, manifesting our findings of their AE-associated dysregulation and prognostic significance in OS of HCC, and suggesting the possibility that PLOD2, RAB26, KLRK1, and RGL4 play essential roles in the progression and survival of HCC, although further experimental investigations are warranted.