Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis-Related lncRNAs in Immune Infiltration and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background Being among the most common malignancies worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts now as the fourth primary reason for cancer death. The regulation of cell death is the most crucial step in tumor progression and has become a crucial target for nearly all therapeutic options. Cuproptosis is a lately discovered copper-dependent method of apoptosis regulation. However, its primary function in carcinogenesis is still unclear. Results We developed a signature consisted of four cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (AL133243.2, AL031985.3, AL137127.1, and SNHG18). Compared to the low-risk group, the high-risk group exhibited a poorer outcome. The cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature can estimate HCC patients’ fate independently. Tumorigenesis and immunological-related pathways were primarily enhanced in the high-risk group, as determined by GSEA. Immunotherapy and standard chemotherapy medications such as erlotinib and lapatinib were more suitable for low-risk patients, whereas sunitinib, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and imatinib were more suitable for high-risk patients. Conclusion The prognostic signature may forecasting HCC patients’ prognosis and establishes the fundamental function of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC. Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs may perform an important part in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), making them a promising treatment for HCC patients.