Idenfication of a novel signature based on mTORC1 pathway for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract

Background mTORC1 signal pathway play a role in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but no relevant gene signature was developed. This research aimed to explore the potential correlation between mTORC1 signal pathway and HCC and establish the related genes signature. Methods HCC cases were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The genes to be included in mTORC1-assiociated signature were selected by performing univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis and lasso regression analysis. Then, the signature was verified by survival analysis and multiple receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Furthermore, a nomogram was established and evaluated by C-index, calibration plot and ROC curve. Results The signature was established with the six genes ( ETF1, GSR, SKAP2, HSPD1, CACYBP and PNP ). Under the grouping from signature, patients in the high- risk group showed worse survival than those in the low-risk group in both three datasets. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that mTORC1 related signature can be the potential independent prognostic factor in HCC. Conclusion The mTORC1 associated gene signature established and validated in our research could be used as a potential prognostic factor in HCC.