Abstract: The present invention provides for methods, processes and platforms to validate systems genetics networks to define their genetic regulators and to optimize translational applicability to humans for drug development. These systems genetics networks are sets of genes with a common function that demonstrate covariate expression that is genetically modulated by linked function network regulators (LFNRs) which comprise eQTLs in animals and GWAS SNPs in humans. LFNRs represent a new class of targets to identify drugs to prevent, ameliorate, and/or treat human diseases. LFNRs for the cell cycle-mitosis network have potential to be especially useful for anti-cancer therapies. The present invention provides for a drug that targets a specific LFNR for the cell cycle-mitosis network in Caucasian male liver to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in high risk patient populations.