Identification of an Autophagy-Related Gene Signature Driving the Transition from NASH to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Background: The rising incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant clinical challenge. While dysregulated autophagy is known to parallel the metabolic-to-malignant transition in the liver, the specific autophagy-related gene (ARG) signatures driving this progression remain poorly defined. This study aims to identify key ARGs that mediate the transition from NASH to HCC and evaluate their prognostic significance.