CDCA8, a mitosis-related gene, as a prospective pan-cancer biomarker: implications for survival prognosis and oncogenic immunology

Abstract

Background: Human cell division cycle-associated protein 8 (CDCA8), a critical regulator of mitosis, has been identified as a prospective prognostic biomarker in several cancer types, including breast, colon, and lung cancers. This study analyzed the diagnostic/prognostic potential and clinical implications of CDCA8 across diverse cancers. Methods: Bioinformatics and molecular experiments. Results: Analyzing TCGA data via TIMER2 and GEPIA2 databases revealed significant up-regulation of CDCA8 in 23 cancer types compared to normal tissues. Prognostically, elevated CDCA8 expression correlated with poorer overall survival in KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM, emphasizing its potential as a prognostic marker. UALCAN analysis demonstrated CDCA8 up-regulation based on clinical variables, such as cancer stage, race, and gender, in these cancers. Epigenetic exploration indicated reduced CDCA8 promoter methylation levels in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC), Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) tissues compared to normal controls. Promoter methylation and mutational analyses showcased a hypomethylation and low mutation rate for CDCA8 in these cancers. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between CDCA8 expression and infiltrating immune cells, particularly CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis unveiled key interacting proteins, while gene enrichment analysis highlighted their involvement in crucial cellular processes and pathways. Additionally, exploration of CDCA8associated drugs through DrugBank presented potential therapeutic options for KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM. In vitro validation using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed elevated CDCA8 expression in LUAD cell lines (A549 and H1299) compared to control cell lines . Conclusion: This study provides concise insights into CDCA8's multifaceted role in KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM, covering expression patterns, diagnostic and prognostic relevance, epigenetic regulation, mutational landscape, immune infiltration, and therapeutic implications.

Identification and validation of key genes in gastric cancer: insights from in silico analysis, clinical samples, and functional assays

“…These technologies have led to the accumulation of a vast amount of data, accessible through public database platforms like Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) [ 9 ] and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) [ 10 , 11 ]. By leveraging the wealth of information in GEO and TCGA, scientists can uncover novel molecular signatures and candidate biomarkers that may have diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic implications in the fight against cancer [ 12 ]. The integration of GEO data with other experimental approaches enables a deeper understanding of cancer biology and aids in the early detection and treatment of cancer.…”