SLC26A2 as a key regulator and therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence from pan-cancer and mechanistic studies

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) faces a critical shortage of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. While solute carrier family 26 member 2 (SLC26A2) is known to be involved in skeletal disorders and even tumors, its specific role in HCC pathogenesis remains undefined. Methods: We utilized public databases to conduct a comprehensive analysis of SLC26A2 across 33 different cancer types. Additionally, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the functional role of SLC26A2 in the biological behavior of