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Ficolin-2: A potential immune-related therapeutic target with low expression in liver cancer
Li-Ting Wang1, Qiu-Ling Zeng1, Shao-Lan Jiang1
1The First Clinical College of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the role of ficolin-2 (FCN2) in the development and course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to contribute to the evolution of innovative HCC therapeutics.
Methods:
Oncomine, GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), TISIDB (Tumor Immune System Interactions and Drug Bank database), UALCAN (University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis portal), UCSC (University of California, Santa Cruz), R package, the Kaplan-Meier technique, Cox regression analysis, LinkedOmics, Pearson's correlation, and a nomogram were used to investigate the prognostic value of FCN2 in HCC. Co-expressed genes were screened. A protein-protein interaction network was created using the STRING database. Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed to establish the expression of FCN2 in HCC tissues. A pan-cancer study centered on HCC-related molecular analysis was also conducted to look for a link between FCN2 and immune infiltration, immune modulators, and chemokine receptors.
Results:
In HCC tissues, the expression of FCN2 was observed to be lower than that in normal tissues. This was connected to the HCC marker alpha-fetoprotein, showing that FCN2 is involved in the development and progression of cancer. FCN2 may act through Staphylococcus aureus infection, lectins, and other pathways. Furthermore, at the immune level, the expression of FCN2 in HCC was associated with some immune cell infiltration, immunomodulators, and chemokine receptors.
Conclusion:
FCN2 may be an immune checkpoint inhibitor for HCC, creating a breakthrough in the treatment of HCC.
Insights
Ficolin-2 (FCN2) is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may serve as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. This finding offers potential for novel HCC therapeutics and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic options.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC development and progression is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ficolin-2 (FCN2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To explore the prognostic value and potential therapeutic implications of FCN2 in HCC.
- To analyze the association of FCN2 with immune infiltration and modulators in HCC.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analyses using Oncomine, GEPIA, TISIDB, UALCAN, and UCSC databases.
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for prognostic value.
- Protein-protein interaction network construction (STRING database) and immunohistochemistry.
- Pan-cancer analysis of FCN2 in relation to immune factors.
Main Results:
- Ficolin-2 (FCN2) expression is significantly lower in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
- Reduced FCN2 expression correlates with HCC progression and is linked to the HCC marker alpha-fetoprotein.
- FCN2 expression is associated with immune cell infiltration, immunomodulators, and chemokine receptors in HCC.
Conclusions:
- Ficolin-2 (FCN2) may function as an immune checkpoint inhibitor in HCC.
- FCN2 represents a potential novel therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Further research into FCN2 could lead to innovative HCC treatment breakthroughs.
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