MMP11 as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltrates in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background Matrix metalloproteinase 11 ( MMP11 ) plays a vital role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor angiogenesis, migration, and other basic processes. Currently, few studies have examined the value of MMP11 in pancreatic cancer in relation to prognostic risk, diagnostic indicators, and immunotherapy. This study aims to explore the association between MMP11 and the tumor immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Methods We selected clinical samples and data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression, in addition, we use other online data for further analysis. Through a comprehensive bioinformatics investigation, we systematically analyzed the clinical significance and expression level of MMP11 in pancreatic cancer. Results MMP11 was overexpressed in many cancers, and a higher expression of MMP11 was associated with a poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Conversely, the hypermethylation of MMP11 was associated with better overall survival. The MMP11 expression network had widespread effects on the prognosis and immune activation of PAAD. The expression of MMP11 was significantly associated with a variety of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. An association was also found between MMP11 expression and chemokines in PAAD. High MMP11 expression might be involved in immune cell migration to the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions MMP11 is a prognostic biomarker for patients in pancreatic cancer and may regulate the tumor immune microenvironment. The potential effects and mechanisms of MMP11 in PAAD require further exploring.