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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1337-1348. [PMID: 38351317 PMCID: PMC11192764 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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Duch P, Díaz‐Valdivia N, Gabasa M, Ikemori R, Arshakyan M, Fernández‐Nogueira P, Llorente A, Teixido C, Ramírez J, Pereda J, Chuliá‐Peris L, Galbis JM, Hilberg F, Reguart N, Radisky DC, Alcaraz J. Aberrant TIMP-1 production in tumor-associated fibroblasts drives the selective benefits of nintedanib in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1505-1519. [PMID: 38476010 PMCID: PMC11093210 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic tumor microenvironment is a pivotal therapeutic target. Nintedanib, a clinically approved multikinase antifibrotic inhibitor, is effective against lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) but not squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Previous studies have implicated the secretome of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) in the selective effects of nintedanib in ADC, but the driving factor(s) remained unidentified. Here we examined the role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), a tumor-promoting cytokine overproduced in ADC-TAFs. To this aim, we combined genetic approaches with in vitro and in vivo preclinical models based on patient-derived TAFs. Nintedanib reduced TIMP-1 production more efficiently in ADC-TAFs than SCC-TAFs through a SMAD3-dependent mechanism. Cell culture experiments indicated that silencing TIMP1 in ADC-TAFs abolished the therapeutic effects of nintedanib on cancer cell growth and invasion, which were otherwise enhanced by the TAF secretome. Consistently, co-injecting ADC cells with TIMP1-knockdown ADC-TAFs into immunocompromised mice elicited a less effective reduction of tumor growth and invasion under nintedanib treatment compared to tumors bearing unmodified fibroblasts. Our results unveil a key mechanism underlying the selective mode of action of nintedanib in ADC based on the excessive production of TIMP-1 in ADC-TAFs. We further pinpoint reduced SMAD3 expression and consequent limited TIMP-1 production in SCC-TAFs as key for the resistance of SCC to nintedanib. These observations strongly support the emerging role of TIMP-1 as a critical regulator of therapy response in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Natalia Díaz‐Valdivia
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marta Gabasa
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Thoracic Oncology UnitHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rafael Ikemori
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marselina Arshakyan
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Patricia Fernández‐Nogueira
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Alejandro Llorente
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Teixido
- Thoracic Oncology UnitHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Pathology ServiceHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Josep Ramírez
- Thoracic Oncology UnitHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Pathology ServiceHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES)Carlos III Health InstituteMadridSpain
| | - Javier Pereda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of ValenciaBurjassotSpain
| | - Lourdes Chuliá‐Peris
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of ValenciaBurjassotSpain
| | | | - Frank Hilberg
- Boehringer Ingelheim Austria RCV GmbH & Co. KGViennaAustria
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Thoracic Oncology UnitHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Jordi Alcaraz
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Biophysics and BioengineeringUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Thoracic Oncology UnitHospital Clinic BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES)Carlos III Health InstituteMadridSpain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
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3
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Tan X, Wang S, Xiao GY, Wu C, Liu X, Zhou B, Jiang Y, Duose DY, Xi Y, Wang J, Gupta K, Pataer A, Roth JA, Kim MP, Chen F, Creighton CJ, Russell WK, Kurie JM. Chromosomal 3q amplicon encodes essential regulators of secretory vesicles that drive secretory addiction in cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176355. [PMID: 38662435 PMCID: PMC11178546 DOI: 10.1172/jci176355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit heightened secretory states that drive tumor progression. Here, we identify a chromosome 3q amplicon that serves as a platform for secretory regulation in cancer. The 3q amplicon encodes multiple Golgi-resident proteins, including the scaffold Golgi integral membrane protein 4 (GOLIM4) and the ion channel ATPase Secretory Pathway Ca2+ Transporting 1 (ATP2C1). We show that GOLIM4 recruits ATP2C1 and Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) to coordinate calcium-dependent cargo loading and Golgi membrane bending and vesicle scission. GOLIM4 depletion disrupts the protein complex, resulting in a secretory blockade that inhibits the progression of 3q-amplified malignancies. In addition to its role as a scaffold, GOLIM4 maintains intracellular manganese (Mn) homeostasis by binding excess Mn in the Golgi lumen, which initiates the routing of Mn-bound GOLIM4 to lysosomes for degradation. We show that Mn treatment inhibits the progression of multiple types of 3q-amplified malignancies by degrading GOLIM4, resulting in a secretory blockade that interrupts pro-survival autocrine loops and attenuates pro-metastatic processes in the tumor microenvironment. Potentially underlying the selective activity of Mn against 3q-amplified malignancies, ATP2C1 co-amplification increases Mn influx into the Golgi lumen, resulting in a more rapid degradation of GOLIM4. These findings show that functional cooperativity between co-amplified genes underlies heightened secretion and a targetable secretory addiction in 3q-amplified malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochao Tan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Shike Wang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Guan-Yu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Biyao Zhou
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
| | | | - Yuanxin Xi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kunika Gupta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Apar Pataer
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Jack A. Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Michael P. Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine and Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chad J. Creighton
- Department of Medicine and Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William K. Russell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang K, Ding Y, Li X, Zhao S, Jia X, Sun D. Prognostic analysis of lung adenocarcinoma based on cancer-associated fibroblasts genes using scRNA-sequencing. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6774-6797. [PMID: 37437244 PMCID: PMC10415565 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs can promote tumor occurrence and metastasis by promoting cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, how CAFs are related to Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not yet been revealed, especially since the CAFs-related prediction model has yet to be established. We combined Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Bulk-RNA data to develop a predictive model of 8 CAFs-associated genes. Our model predicted LUAD prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. TME, mutation landscape and drug sensitivity differences were also systematically analyzed between the LUAD patients of high- and low-risk. Moreover, the model prognostic performance was validated in four independent validation cohorts in the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) and the IMvigor210 immunotherapy cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Ding
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoteng Jia
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Daqiang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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3D collagen migration patterns reveal a SMAD3-dependent and TGF-β1-independent mechanism of recruitment for tumour-associated fibroblasts in lung adenocarcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:967-981. [PMID: 36572730 PMCID: PMC10006167 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02093-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TGF-β1 transcription factor SMAD3 is epigenetically repressed in tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) from lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) but not adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients, which elicits a compensatory increase in SMAD2 that renders SCC-TAFs less fibrotic. Here we examined the effects of altered SMAD2/3 in fibroblast migration and its impact on the desmoplastic stroma formation in lung cancer. METHODS We used a microfluidic device to examine descriptors of early protrusions and subsequent migration in 3D collagen gels upon knocking down SMAD2 or SMAD3 by shRNA in control fibroblasts and TAFs. RESULTS High SMAD3 conditions as in shSMAD2 fibroblasts and ADC-TAFs exhibited a migratory advantage in terms of protrusions (fewer and longer) and migration (faster and more directional) selectively without TGF-β1 along with Erk1/2 hyperactivation. This enhanced migration was abrogated by TGF-β1 as well as low glucose medium and the MEK inhibitor Trametinib. In contrast, high SMAD2 fibroblasts were poorly responsive to TGF-β1, high glucose and Trametinib, exhibiting impaired migration in all conditions. CONCLUSIONS The basal migration advantage of high SMAD3 fibroblasts provides a straightforward mechanism underlying the larger accumulation of TAFs previously reported in ADC compared to SCC. Moreover, our results encourage using MEK inhibitors in ADC-TAFs but not SCC-TAFs.
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Zhou Z, Yang Z, Zhou L, Yang M, He S. The versatile roles of testrapanins in cancer from intracellular signaling to cell-cell communication: cell membrane proteins without ligands. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:59. [PMID: 36941633 PMCID: PMC10025802 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00995-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The tetraspanins (TSPANs) are a family of four-transmembrane proteins with 33 members in mammals. They are variably expressed on the cell surface, various intracellular organelles and vesicles in nearly all cell types. Different from the majority of cell membrane proteins, TSPANs do not have natural ligands. TSPANs typically organize laterally with other membrane proteins to form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) to influence cell adhesion, migration, invasion, survival and induce downstream signaling. Emerging evidence shows that TSPANs can regulate not only cancer cell growth, metastasis, stemness, drug resistance, but also biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (exosomes and migrasomes), and immunomicroenvironment. This review summarizes recent studies that have shown the versatile function of TSPANs in cancer development and progression, or the molecular mechanism of TSPANs. These findings support the potential of TSPANs as novel therapeutic targets against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Toledo B, Picon-Ruiz M, Marchal JA, Perán M. Dual Role of Fibroblasts Educated by Tumour in Cancer Behavior and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15576. [PMID: 36555218 PMCID: PMC9778751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex systems with dynamic interactions between tumour cells, non-tumour cells, and extracellular components that comprise the tumour microenvironment (TME). The majority of TME's cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial in extracellular matrix (ECM) construction, tumour metabolism, immunology, adaptive chemoresistance, and tumour cell motility. CAF subtypes have been identified based on the expression of protein markers. CAFs may act as promoters or suppressors in tumour cells depending on a variety of factors, including cancer stage. Indeed, CAFs have been shown to promote tumour growth, survival and spread, and secretome changes, but they can also slow tumourigenesis at an early stage through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Stromal-cancer interactions are governed by a variety of soluble factors that determine the outcome of the tumourigenic process. Cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of fibroblasts to secrete multiple tumour-promoting chemokines, acting on malignant cells to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. This crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells has given new prominence to the stromal cells, from being considered as mere physical support to becoming key players in the tumour process. Here, we focus on the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound and the relevance of chronic inflammation to tumour initiation. In addition, we review CAFs heterogeneous origins and markers together with the potential therapeutic implications of CAFs "re-education" and/or targeting tumour progression inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Picon-Ruiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
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Guo H, Wang Y, Gou L, Wang X, Tang Y, Wang X. A novel prognostic model based on urea cycle-related gene signature for colorectal cancer. Front Surg 2022; 9:1027655. [PMID: 36338624 PMCID: PMC9633963 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1027655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. This study aimed to develop a urea cycle (UC)-related gene signature that provides a theoretical foundation for the prognosis and treatment of patients with CRC. Methods Differentially expressed UC-related genes in CRC were confirmed using differential analysis and Venn diagrams. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were performed to identify UC-related prognostic genes. A UC-related signature was created and confirmed using distinct datasets. Independent prognostic predictors were authenticated using Cox analysis. The Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts algorithm and Spearman method were applied to probe the linkage between UC-related prognostic genes and tumor immune-infiltrating cells. The Human Protein Atlas database was used to determine the protein expression levels of prognostic genes in CRC and normal tissues. Verification of the expression levels of UC-related prognostic genes in clinical tissue samples was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results A total of 49 DEUCRGs in CRC were mined. Eight prognostic genes (TIMP1, FABP4, MMP3, MMP1, CD177, CA2, S100P, and SPP1) were identified to construct a UC-related gene signature. The signature was then affirmed using an external validation set. The risk score was demonstrated to be a credible independent prognostic predictor using Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, and nitrogen metabolism were associated with the UC-related gene signature. Immune infiltration and correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between UC-related prognostic genes and differential immune cells between the two risk subgroups. Finally, the qPCR results of clinical samples further confirmed the results of the public database. Conclusion Taken together, this study authenticated UC-related prognostic genes and developed a gene signature for the prognosis of CRC, which will be of great significance in the identification of prognostic molecular biomarkers, clinical prognosis prediction, and development of treatment strategies for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuanbiao Wang
- Department of Yunnan Tumor Research Institute, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Gou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianfei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Correspondence: Xianfei Wang
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