Integrated pan-cancer genomic analysis reveals the role of SLC30A5 in the proliferation, metastasis, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: SLC30A5, a member of the solute transporter protein family, is implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the expression and prognostic significance of SLC30A family genes in pan-cancer, with a specific emphasis on SLC30A5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Expression patterns and prognostic implications of SLC30A family genes were assessed across 33 cancer types, especially HCC. Co-expression analysis explored the relationship between SLC30A5 and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, pathway molecules related to tumor angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The role of SLC30A5 in HCC was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays, including CCK8 viability assay, EdU cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, wound healing assay, transwell migration assay, and xenograft mouse model assay using Huh7 cells with targeted knockdown of SLC30A5. Results: SLC30A family genes exhibited overexpression in various tumors. In HCC, upregulation of SLC30A5 expression correlated with adverse prognosis. Significant associations were observed between SLC30A5 expression and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, molecules involved in angiogenesis, and EMT. SLC30A5 overexpression was associated with advanced disease stages, higher histological grades, and vascular invasion. Single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE112271) revealed notable SLC30A5 expression in malignant cells. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that SLC30A5 knockdown in Huh7 cells reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Conclusions: This study highlights the clinical relevance of SLC30A5 in HCC, emphasizing its role in cell proliferation and migration. SLC30A5 emerges as a promising candidate for a prognostic marker and a potential target in HCC.