Identification of lncRNA Signature Associated With Pan-Cancer Prognosis.

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Cancer Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in cancer development and progression.
• A validated pan-cancer prognostic signature based on lncRNAs is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robust lncRNA-based prognostic signature for diverse human cancers.
• To identify novel lncRNAs with prognostic value across multiple cancer types.

Main Methods:

• A framework integrating statistical power, biological rationale, and machine learning was employed.
• A 5-lncRNA signature was identified using TCGA training data and validated in independent TARGET and CPTAC cohorts.
• In silico functional analysis was performed to explore the biological relevance of the identified lncRNAs.

Main Results:

• A 5-lncRNA signature (ENSG00000206567, PCAT29, ENSG00000257989, LOC388282, LINC00339) was identified and significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in TCGA cohort.
• The signature effectively stratified patients into low- and high-risk groups with distinct survival outcomes (log-rank P = 1.48E-38) and demonstrated good prognostic performance (AUC = 0.72 with clinical factors).
• Validation in external cohorts confirmed the signature's prognostic value (AUCs of 0.60 and 0.75).

Conclusions:

• The developed 5-lncRNA signature serves as a reliable pan-cancer prognostic marker.
• The identified lncRNAs, particularly ENSG00000257989, LOC388282, and ENSG00000206567, may represent novel therapeutic targets common across various cancers.