N7-methylguanosine-related miRNAs predict hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immune therapy

Abstract

N7-methylguanosine (m 7 G) modification has been notably linked with the development of many tumors. However, no investigations have been conducted on whether m 7 G-related miRNA (m 7 G-miRNA) is a prognostic index of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this investigation aimed to establish a predictive m 7 G-miRNA signature for efficient HCC prognosis and elucidate the associated immune cell infiltration (ICI) and functions in the tumor microenvironment. RNA sequencing and clinical data on 375 HCC and 50 healthy tissue samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The m 7 G-miRNA regulators methyltransferase-like 1 and WD repeat domain 4 were acquired from the TargetScan database. Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted on the 63 differentially expressed m 7 G-miRNAs identified. A prognostic signature that consisted of seven miRNAs was identified. According to their risk scores, individuals with HCC were divided into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) cohorts. A Kaplan-Meier test revealed that survival in the HR HCC patients was poorer than in the LR cohort (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 0.706, 0.695, and 0.715, respectively. A nomogram of sex, risk score, age, and stage indicated the HCC patients’ overall survival. Furthermore, it was indicated that the HR and LR patients had different degrees of ICI and immune function. A pathway enrichment analysis revealed the association of several immunity-linked pathways with the risk model. In conclusion, the signature established has great prognostic value and could be used as a new immunotherapy target for individuals with HCC.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the MiaA prenyl transferase by CsrA and the small RNA CsrB inE. coli

“…Studies in eukaryotic systems have highlighted an expanded list of RNA species that contain RNA modifications. Specifically, RNA modifications have been found within eukaryotic regulatory RNA species such as miRNA, CircRNAs, and lncRNAs (78)(79)(80). They are thought to play roles in post-transcriptional regulatory circuits by modulating miRNA interactions with the 3' UTRs of mRNAs, modulating mRNA stability.…”

Clinical significance of RNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…However, the current research focusing on RNA methylation to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in liver cancer is primarily based on animal models and in vitro experiments, with limited clinical application. Although promising results have been obtained in laboratory settings and related studies suggest a potential role for RNA modification in enhancing immunotherapy, the translation of these research findings into clinical practice still faces challenges [ 123 – 126 ]. In clinical research, more clinical trials and investigations are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of RNA methylation in liver cancer immunotherapy.…”