Expression Characteristics, Immune Signature, and Prognostic Value of the SOCS Family Identified by Multiomics Integrative Analysis in Liver Cancer

Abstract

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a high mortality rate worldwide. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members play important roles in the proliferation, metabolism, and immunity of HCC cells by regulating cytokines and growth factors. However, it remains uncertain whether the level of SOCS family members can affect the prognosis of HCC patients.AimsThis study aimed to comprehensively assess the role and mechanisms of SOCS family members in the development of HCC and to guide clinical selection.MethodsWe investigated the expression levels of SOCS family genes in HCC patients and their associations with various clinicopathological characteristics. We also utilized a public database to analyze the changes in the expression, potential functions, transcription factors, and immune invasion of SOCS family members. Additionally, we examined the prognostic value of the SOC family for HCC and its correlation with the SOC family and ferroptosis‐related genes.ResultsThis study revealed that the expression of SOCS2‐7, and CISH was downregulated in HCC. The SOCS4, SOCS5, and SOCS7 genes were associated with the clinicopathological features of HCC patients. SOCS family genes are mainly related to the PIK3R3, GHR, and TNS4 pathways. Additionally, this study revealed that STAT3, PPAR‐gamma 2, and IRF‐2 are important transcription factors that regulate SOCS family members. The expression levels of SOCS family members are closely related to immune infiltration in liver cancer. The study also indicated that SOCS2 and SOCS4 are risk‐related genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Finally, this study suggested that the SOCS2 gene may be involved in the development and progression of HCC.ConclusionOur study enhances the current understanding of SOCS gene function in liver cancer and can help clinicians select appropriate drugs and predict the prognosis of HCC patients.