After further screening of these 13 genes, we found that only 4 genes met all criteria for key genes in the transition from NASH to HCC, and they were GDF15, TTC39A, TREM2, and ANXA2. These 4 genes were highly expressed in patients with lower survival rates (Figures 5G-J). Here, ANXA2 is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.