The Tumor Suppressive and Potential Value of STEAP4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4(STEAP4), is a complete membrane metal reductase. Abnormal STEAP4 expression is potentially associated with carcinogenesis. However, the biological role of STEAP4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further determined. We analyzed STEAP4 expression level, prognosis, the correlations between STEAP4 and cancer immune infiltrates, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between STEAP4 high- and low-expressed groups, and the functional networks in hepatocellular carcinoma using multiple databases. STEAP4 was found down-regulated in tumor tissues in multiple HCC cohorts. Low STEAP4 expression was associated with poorer overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Functional network analysis suggested that STEAP4 regulates cell cycle signaling and may be correlated with infiltrating levels of T follicular helper cells. These findings lay a foundation for further study of the cell cycle regulatory role of STEAP4 in HCC, and, indicate STEAP4 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for HCC patients.