Experimental validation and pan-cancer analysis identified COL10A1 as a novel oncogene and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer

Type X collagen (COL10) is a homologous trimeric non-fibrillar collagen found in the extracellular matrix of human tissues, and it exhibits a distinctive white appearance. Type X collagen α1 chain (COL10A1) is a specific cleaved fragment of type X collagen. However, the expression, prognostic significance, clinicopathological attributes and immune-related associations of COL10A1 in prostate cancer as well as in pan-cancer contexts remain poorly understood.

Using bioinformatic analysis of data from the most recent databases (TCGA, GTEx and GEO databases), we have extensively elucidated the role played by COL10A1 in terms of its expression patterns, prognostic implications, and immune efficacy across a pan-cancer spectrum. Subsequently, the biological functions of COL10A1 in prostate cancer were elucidated by experimental validation.

Our findings have confirmed that COL10A1 was highly expressed in most cancers and was associated with poorer prognosis in cancer patients. Immune correlation analysis of COL10A1 in various cancers showed its significant correlation with Tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and immune cell infiltration. In addition, knockdown of COL10A1 in prostate cancer resulted in a substantial reduction in the proliferation, migration, and invasive potential of prostate cancer cells.

Our pan-cancer analysis of COL10A1 gene provided novel insights into its pivotal role in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic implications, underscoring its potential significance in prognosis and immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer, particularly prostate cancer.