Comprehensive investigation into the influence of glycosylation on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Glycosylation is crucial in cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance.
• The specific role of glycosylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) requires detailed elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify glycosylation-related genes (GRGs) associated with HNSCC.
• To develop a prognostic risk model for HNSCC patients.
• To explore the relationship between GRGs, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy response in HNSCC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks and correlation analysis to identify key glycosylation genes.
• Employed cox and lasso regression to construct a prognostic risk model.
• Validated the model using internal and external datasets and conducted cell experiments.

Main Results:

• Identified 184 glycosylation-related genes.
• Developed a 3-gene signature capable of predicting HNSCC patient outcomes.
• Observed significant differences in the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint markers across risk groups.

Conclusions:

• Prognosis of HNSCC can be accurately predicted using risk signatures based on GRGs.
• The GRG signature offers insights into HNSCC immunotherapy responsiveness.
• This research provides a foundation for novel HNSCC treatment strategies.