Identification of AURKA as a Biomarker Associated with Cuproptosis and Ferroptosis in HNSCC

Xiao Jia ^1,2,3, Jiao Tian ¹, Yueyue Fu ¹

⁰State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences +

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April 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed a prognostic model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using 12 genes linked to cuproptosis and ferroptosis. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) emerged as a key gene, with its knockdown inhibiting HNSCC cell growth and migration.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Cell Death Mechanisms
Genomics

Background

Cuproptosis and ferroptosis are critical cell death pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Prognostic signatures linking these cell death types in HNSCC remain underexplored.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a prognostic model for HNSCC based on genes associated with cuproptosis and ferroptosis.
To identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HNSCC.

Main Methods

Utilized TCGA and GEO databases for HNSCC sample analysis.
Employed Pearson correlation, COX regression, and LASSO for model construction.
Validated the model through various statistical analyses and functional experiments (siRNA knockdown of AURKA).

Main Results

A prognostic model comprising 12 cuproptosis-associated ferroptosis genes was successfully constructed.
The model independently predicted HNSCC prognosis.
Aurora kinase A (AURKA) knockdown significantly reduced HNSCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions

The 12-gene model serves as an independent prognostic predictor for HNSCC.
AURKA shows potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker for HNSCC.

Keywords:

AURKA cuproptosis ferroptosis head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prognostic model