A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of RBM8A Based on Data Mining

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Immunology

Background:

• RNA-binding motif protein 8A (RBM8A) is a key component of the exon junction complex (EJC), vital for mRNA maintenance and organismal functions.
• The role of RBM8A in cancer immunity remains largely unexplored, despite immunotherapy's prominence in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate RBM8A expression, prognostic value, mutation landscape, and co-expression patterns across various cancer types.
• To elucidate the relationship between RBM8A expression and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from multiple online databases including HPA, UALCAN, COSMIC, cBioPortal, Cancer Regulome, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and TIMER.
• Analyzed gene expression, mutation data, and immune cell infiltration associated with RBM8A.

Main Results:

• RBM8A expression is higher in immune-related cells compared to non-immune organs and varies by tumor type.
• Missense mutations in RBM8A are common and impact carcinoma prognosis.
• RBM8A expression strongly correlates with immune-infiltrating cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors, notably in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC).

Conclusions:

• RBM8A warrants further investigation as a potential novel immunotherapy target.
• The findings highlight RBM8A's significant role in cancer immunity.