Highlights
13 ALTDEGs were identified for constructing a risk model model.
Risk model and ALTs-score model could be used for HCC prognosis.
13 ALTDEGs could serve as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for HCC.
SMG5 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-024-13146-0.