Identification and validation of a gap junction protein related signature for predicting the prognosis of renal clear cell carcinoma

Yongsheng Huang ¹, Wenyi Guo ², Yuan Zeng ¹

⁰Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

Frontiers in Oncology +

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March 8, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study identified GJA5 and GJB1 as key gap junction proteins related prognostic signatures (GRPS) for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Low expression of these markers indicates a poorer prognosis and shorter survival in ccRCC patients.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics

Background

Gap junction proteins (GJPs) play a role in cell communication and tumor development.
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a significant health concern with a need for better prognostic markers.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify GJPs-related prognostic signatures (GRPS) for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
To develop a risk score (RS) model for predicting patient survival in ccRCC.

Main Methods

Utilized The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases for microarray and RNA sequencing data.
Employed LASSO and Cox regression models to identify prognostic GJPs.
Constructed a risk score model and performed survival, pan-cancer, functional enrichment, TME, TMB, and drug sensitivity analyses.

Main Results

Identified GJA5 and GJB1 as GRPS markers for ccRCC; low expression correlates with poor prognosis.
The developed risk score model demonstrated significant predictive power for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
GRPS were associated with immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and chemotherapy sensitivity; GJA5/GJB1 knockdown promoted ccRCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions

GJA5 and GJB1 serve as potential biomarkers for predicting ccRCC patient survival.
The established risk score model offers a reliable tool for prognostic assessment in ccRCC.
Further research into GJA5 and GJB1 functions can inform ccRCC treatment strategies.

Keywords:

biomarkers cellular verification clear cell renal cell carcinoma gap junction protein prognostic model