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A novel fatty acid metabolism-related signature identifies MUC4 as a novel therapy target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

  • 0Department of Operating Room, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.
Scientific Reports +

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May 30, 2024

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May 30, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identifies a fatty acid metabolism-related gene signature for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis. The developed risk model and molecular subtypes can predict patient survival and guide treatment strategies.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Genomics

Background

  • Fatty acid metabolism is a key hallmark of cancer, influencing prognosis.
  • The role of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FMGs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis is not well understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To identify a reliable FMGs signature for ESCC prognosis and treatment decision support.
  • To investigate the association between FMGs molecular subtypes and clinical outcomes in ESCC.

Main Methods

  • Consensus clustering analysis of 259 ESCC samples from TCGA and GEO databases.
  • Development and validation of an eight-gene FMGs risk model using Kaplan-Meier and ROC analyses.
  • Nomogram construction for predicting patient survival rates.
  • In vitro assays (CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell) to assess FMGs' role in ESCC tumorigenesis.

Main Results

  • Two distinct FMGs molecular subtypes were identified; cluster 2 correlated with poor prognosis and lower immune infiltration.
  • An eight-gene FMGs risk model was established, with high-risk patients exhibiting worse survival and higher immune/stromal scores.
  • The nomogram demonstrated good predictive accuracy for ESCC patient outcomes.
  • In vitro experiments showed MUC4 silencing inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusions

  • FMGs signatures and molecular subtypes are valuable for predicting ESCC patient prognosis.
  • The identified FMGs risk model and subtypes offer potential therapeutic targets for ESCC.

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