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Comprehensive Analysis of VCAN Expression Profiles and Prognostic Values in HCC
Guangshun Sun1, Wubin Zheng1, Pengyu Tan2
1Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Frontiers in Genetics
|July 11, 2022
Summary
Versican (VCAN) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), correlating with poor patient prognosis. Targeting VCAN may offer new therapeutic strategies for this deadly cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
- There is an urgent need to understand molecular mechanisms for improved HCC detection and treatment.
- Versican (VCAN) is investigated for its role in HCC progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profile, biological function, and prognostic value of versican (VCAN) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HCC transcriptome databases (GSE124535, GSE136247, GSE144269) and TCGAportal.
- Bioinformatic analysis including Venn diagrams and Mcode for gene interaction modules.
- In vitro cell experiments: Transwell migration/invasion, wound healing, and CCK8 assays.
- Exploration of VCAN interactions and potential therapeutic interventions (DNMT and transcription factor inhibitors).
Main Results:
- Versican (VCAN) was identified as a key gene in a module associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis.
- VCAN expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
- High VCAN expression correlated with shorter distant recurrence-free survival and overall survival in HCC patients.
- VCAN levels were higher in more malignant HCC subtypes, indicating a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Versican (VCAN) plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and is associated with poor prognosis.
- VCAN represents a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
- Targeting VCAN, potentially with DNA methyltransferase or transcription factor inhibitors, may improve HCC patient outcomes.
