A novel focal adhesion related gene signature for prognostic prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Reduced expression of focal adhesion is considered as an important prerequisite for tumor cell invasion and metastasis. However, the prognostic value of focal adhesion related genes in HCC remains to be further determined. In this study, RNA expression profiles were downloaded from public databases. A five focal adhesion related gene signature model was established by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis, which categorized patients into high- and low-risk groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent predictor for overall survival. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis revealed that immune status was different between the two risk groups, and tumor-related pathways were enriched in high-risk group. The risk score was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor stage, immune scores, and immune infiltrate types. Pearson correlation showed that the expression level of prognostic genes was associated with anti-tumor drug sensitivity. Besides, the mRNA and protein expression of prognostic genes was significantly different between HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues in our separate cohort. Taken together, a novel focal adhesion related gene signature can be used for prognostic prediction in HCC, which may be a therapeutic alternative.

Molecular vasculogenic mimicry–Related signatures predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses in bladder cancer: Results from real-world cohorts

“…Notably, molecular VM-related DEGs were mainly associated with cell junction, adhesion, and anoikis ( Supplementary Figures S1C, D ). A novel focal adhesion–related gene signature was significantly correlated with tumor grade, tumor stage, immune scores, and immune infiltrate types, according to Lin et al (2021) . Anoikis-resistant mechanically stressed cancer cells exhibited enhanced motility and evaded immune surveillance by natural killer cells, according to Fanfone et al (2022) .…”

“…In addition, the KEGG and GO enrichment analyses of molecular VM-related DEGs found that they were significantly enriched in focal adhesion and regulation of anoikis. There was a significant association between a novel focal adhesion-related gene signature and tumor grade, tumor stage, immune scores, and immune infiltrate types, determined by Lin et al (2021). It was discovered by Fanfone et al (2022) that anoikis-resistant mechanically stressed cancer cells were more motile and had a better immune response Frontiers in Pharmacology frontiersin.org 13 against natural killer cells.…”

A CD8+ T cell‐related genes prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

“…We found that focal adhesion, aerobic glycolysis, HIF1 transcription factor pathway, IL‐4 and IL‐13 signalling, as well as HSF1 dependent transactivation were markedly enriched in CD8T‐RGPI high‐risk group. Focal adhesion has been shown to mediate the adhesion between tumour cells and extracellular matrix cells, contributing to HCC progression and metastasis 36,37 . Hyperactivity of aerobic glycolysis is prevalent in human carcinomas, and is associated with tumour invasion and HCC poor prognosis 38 .…”

“…Focal adhesion has been shown to mediate the adhesion between tumour cells and extracellular matrix cells, contributing to HCC progression and metastasis. 36,37 Hyperactivity of aerobic glycolysis is prevalent in human carcinomas, and is associated with tumour invasion and HCC poor prognosis. 38 Aerobic glycolysis is involved in tumour cell immune escape through various signals, including CD47-ENO1 axis 39 and Notch1/TAZ axis.…”