Unlocking the diagnostic, prognostic roles, and immune implications of BAX gene expression in pan-cancer analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Cancer, a formidable disease, continues to challenge our understanding and therapeutic approaches. This study delves into the pan-cancer analysis of BCL2 Associated X (BAX) gene expression, seeking to unravel its significance in cancer development, prognosis, and potential therapeutic strategies. Methods: A combination of bioinformatics and molecular experiments. Results: Our pan-cancer investigation into BAX expression encompassed 33 distinct cancer types, revealing a remarkable and uniform increase in BAX expression. This groundbreaking finding emphasizes the potential universality of BAX's role in cancer development and progression. Further, our study explored the prognostic implications of BAX expression, highlighting a consistent association between up-regulated BAX and poor overall survival (OS) in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) and Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM). These results suggest that BAX may serve as an adverse prognostic indicator in these malignancies, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Epigenetic and genetic analyses of BAX provided valuable insights. Hypomethylation of the BAX promoter region was evident in LIHC and SKCM, which likely contributes to the up-regulation of BAX, while genetic mutations in the BAX gene itself were infrequent in these cancers. Our exploration of BAX-associated signaling pathways and the correlation between BAX expression and CD8+ T cell infiltration shed light on the intricate molecular landscape of cancer. BAX's interaction with key apoptotic and immune-related pathways reinforces its role as a central player in tumor development and the immune microenvironment. Moreover, our drug prediction analysis identified potential therapeutic agents for modulating BAX expression in the context of LIHC and SKCM, bridging the gap between research and clinical application. Conclusion: In sum, our comprehensive BAX study not only enhances our understanding of its significance as a biomarker gene but also offers novel avenues for therapeutic interventions, contributing to the ongoing quest for more effective cancer treatments and improved patient care.