TCGA-based identification and functional validation of PBK in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression with involvement of AKT signaling

Abstract

Highlights • Integrated TCGA analysis via DESeq2, edgeR, limma & WGCNA identified PBK as key ICC gene.• PBK overexpressed in ICC, correlates with tumor stage.• PBK promotes ICC progression via AKT pathway activation; inhibitor abrogates oncogenic effects.• PBK knockdown suppresses xenograft growth with reduced p-AKT, KI67 and PCNA expression.