Decoding the DSCC1 gene as a pan-cancer biomarker in human cancers via comprehensive multi-omics analyses

While dysregulation of DSCC1 (DNA Replication And Sister Chromatid Cohesion 1) has been established in breast cancer and colorectal cancer, its associations with other tumors remain unclear. Therefore, this study was launched to explore the role of DSCC1 in pan-cancer.

In this study, we investigate the biological functions of DSCC1 across 33 solid tumors, elucidating its role in promoting oncogenesis and progression in various cancers through comprehensive analysis of multi-omics data.

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of DSCC1 expression using RNA-seq data from TCGA and GTEx databases across 30 cancer types. Striking variations were observed, with significant overexpression of DSCC1 identified in numerous cancers. Elevated DSCC1 level was strongly associated with poorer prognosis, shorter survival, and advanced tumor stages in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), as indicated by Kaplan-Meier curves and GEPIA2 analysis. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms revealed reduced DNA methylation in the DSCC1 promoter region in KIRP, LIHC, and LUAD, supporting enhanced RNA transcription. Protein expression analysis via the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) corroborated mRNA expression findings, showcasing elevated DSCC1 protein in KIRP, LIHC, and LUAD tissues. Mutational analysis using cBioPortal revealed alterations in 0.4% of KIRP, 17% of LIHC, and 5% of LUAD samples, predominantly characterized by amplification. Immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated robust positive correlations between DSCC1 expression and CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and B cells, influencing the tumor microenvironment. STRING and gene enrichment analyses unveiled DSCC1's involvement in critical pathways, emphasizing its multifaceted impact. Notably, drug sensitivity analysis highlighted a significant correlation between DSCC1 mRNA expression and responses to 78 anticancer treatments, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for KIRP, LIHC, and LUAD. Finally, immunohistochemistry staining of clinical samples validated computational results, confirming elevated DSCC1 protein expression.

Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the pivotal role of DSCC1 in KIRP, LIHC, and LUAD initiation, progression, and therapeutic responsiveness, laying the foundation for further investigations and personalized treatment strategies.