Fig. 1. HMGB1 epigenetically crosstalks with RICTOR in early stage HCC.

a Prediction of candidate HMGB1 crosstalk RNAs using the ceRDB database (https://www.oncomir.umn.edu/cefinder). The top 12 candidate RNAs and scores were shown. b The RNA expression levels of HMGB1 and the 12 candidate RNAs were analyzed in early stage HCC (BCLC stages 0 and A HCC) tissues by qRT-PCR. HBV⁺ HCC (above) n = 26; HBV⁻ HCC (below), n = 9. The results are means ± SD. Names marked red and black represent significantly (p < 0.05) and nonsignificant genes, respectively. c Pearson correlation coefficient analysis between expression levels of HMGB1 and the 12 candidate RNAs, respectively, in early stage HCC tumor tissues