A Novel Necroptosis-Associated IncRNAs Signature for Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor. Necroptosis is a novel programmed form of necrotic cell death. The prognostic value of necroptosis-associated lncRNAs expression in HNSCC has not been explored.Methods: We downloaded mRNA expression data of HNSCC patients from TCGA databases. Prognostic lncRNAs were identified by univariate Cox regression. LASSO was used to establish a model with necroptosis-related lncRNAs. Kaplan-Meier analysis and ROC were applied to verify the model. Finally, functional studies including gene set enrichment analyses, immune microenvironment analysis, and anti-tumor compound IC50 prediction were performed.Results: We identified 1,117 necroptosis-related lncRNAs. The Cox regression showed 55 lncRNAs were associated with patient survival (p < 0.05). The risk model of 24- lncRNAs signature categorized patients into high and low risk groups. The patients in the low-risk group survived longer than the high-risk group (p < 0.001). Validation assays including ROC curve, nomogram and correction curves confirmed the prediction capability of the 24-lncRNA risk mode. Functional studies showed the two patient groups had distinct immunity conditions and IC50.Conclusion: The 24-lncRNA model has potential to guide treatment of HNSCC. Future clinical studies are needed to verify the model.

Unveiling NRlncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma through machine learning

“…Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) cannot directly encode proteins, they can regulate gene expression by altering how genes are translated or by directly interacting with proteins and other RNA species. 19,20 They may be essential for the regulation of anticancer immune responses, including antigen release, antigen presentation, immune activation, immune cell migration, immune cell infiltration, and cancer cell death, according to accumulating evidence. 21,22 For instance, a research revealed that Linc00176 might release miRNAs (such miR-9 and miR-185) to downregulate target mRNAs, therefore mediating hepatocellular carcinoma cell necrosis and inhibiting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma.…”

“…Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) cannot directly encode proteins, they can regulate gene expression by altering how genes are translated or by directly interacting with proteins and other RNA species 19,20 . They may be essential for the regulation of anticancer immune responses, including antigen release, antigen presentation, immune activation, immune cell migration, immune cell infiltration, and cancer cell death, according to accumulating evidence 21,22 .…”