IGFLR1 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer Correlating With Immune Infiltrates

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Insulin Growth Factor-Like receptor 1 (IGFLR1) is implicated in clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) progression and poor prognosis.
• Mechanisms underlying IGFLR1's role in ccRCC progression require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression, prognostic significance, and underlying mechanisms of IGFLR1 in ccRCC.
• To explore the correlation between IGFLR1 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
• To assess IGFLR1's potential role in chemotherapeutic drug resistance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of IGFLR1 mRNA expression and prognostic correlation using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ccRCC cohort.
• Investigation of methylation and copy number variations affecting IGFLR1 expression.
• Correlation analysis between IGFLR1 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells via TIMER.
• Screening of associated genes, pathway, and immune gene set enrichment analysis.
• Development of prognostic risk models using multivariate Cox regression.

Main Results:

• Upregulated IGFLR1 in ccRCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues, significantly correlating with poorer overall and disease-free survival.
• IGFLR1 identified as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC.
• A prognostic risk model incorporating IGFLR1 demonstrated predictive ability.
• Positive correlation between IGFLR1 expression and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
• Potential associations of IGFLR1 with immune cell activation, lymphocyte adhesion, and drug resistance.

Conclusions:

• IGFLR1 is significantly associated with prognosis in ccRCC and other cancers.
• IGFLR1 plays a crucial role in tumor-related immune infiltration.
• IGFLR1 holds potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value in ccRCC.