Except for NDUFS1, EPAS1 and NUBPL, the expression of the other 13 DRGs including NCKAP1, PPM1F, GYS1, NDUFC1, CNOT1, NDUFA10, LRPPRC, SLC7A11, OXSM, NUDFS2, RPN1, SLC3A2 and NDUFA11, was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues (Fig. 2A). Here, NCKAP1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.