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Updated: Jun 21, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
FAM20A: a potential diagnostic biomarker for lung squamous cell carcinoma
Yalin Zhang1, Qin Sun1, Yangbo Liang1
1Center for Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) ranks among the carcinomas with the highest incidence and dismal survival rates, suffering from a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Consequently, biomarkers facilitating early diagnosis of LUSC could significantly enhance patient survival. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers for LUSC.
Methods:
Utilizing the TCGA, GTEx, and CGGA databases, we focused on the gene encoding Family with Sequence Similarity 20, Member A (FAM20A) across various cancers. We then corroborated these bioinformatic predictions with clinical samples. A range of analytical tools, including Kaplan-Meier, MethSurv database, Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and TIMER database, were employed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of FAM20A in LUSC. These tools also helped evaluate immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, DNA repair-related genes, DNA methylation, and tumor-related pathways.
Results:
FAM20A expression was found to be significantly reduced in LUSC, correlating with lower survival rates. It exhibited a negative correlation with key proteins in DNA repair signaling pathways, potentially contributing to LUSC's radiotherapy resistance. Additionally, FAM20A showed a positive correlation with immune checkpoints like CTLA-4, indicating potential heightened sensitivity to immunotherapies targeting these checkpoints.
Conclusion:
FAM20A emerges as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LUSC, offering potential clinical applications.
