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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Analyzing Tumor Gene Expression Factors with the CorExplorer Web Portal
Published on: October 11, 2019
HSPA4 Expression is Correlated with Melanoma Cell Proliferation, Prognosis, and Immune Regulation
Xudong Wang1,2,3, Zhiyong Li1, Jianhong Xu1
1Outpatient Department of Yangfangdian, Southern Medical District of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100843, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Heat shock protein A4 (HSPA4) is associated with a variety of human diseases. However, its function in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) remains uncertain.
Patients And Methods:
The gene and protein expression level of HSPA4 in CMM was investigated with public databases. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was performed to assess the effect of HSPA4 on the proliferation of melanoma cells. Then, the diagnostic and prognostic value of HSPA4 in CMM were analyzed. Gene variations and methylation levels, and the correlation between HSPA4 expression and immune cell infiltration were evaluated, followed by the construction of HSPA4 related protein-protein interaction networks and functional enrichment analysis.
Results:
The mRNA and protein expression level of HSPA4 was significantly higher in CMM. Knocking down HSPA4 in A-375 cell line could inhibit tumor cell growth. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic value of HSPA4. Survival analysis showed that high expression of HSPA4 was associated with poor prognosis. HSPA4 gene alterations were observed in 3% of CMM patients. Five CpG sites are associated with the prognosis of CMM. HSPA4 is negatively correlated with most immune cells in CMM. The protein interaction network shows that HSPA4 is closely related to proteins such as DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B1 (DNAJB1) and DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B6 (DNAJB6), and the expression of DNAJB1 is positively correlated with HSPA4. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that HSPA4 may be associated with immune suppression and immune escape within the tumor microenvironment of CMM.
Conclusion:
HSPA4 may participate in the regulation of tumor development and microenvironment, which may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker of CMM.
Insights
Heat shock protein A4 (HSPA4) is elevated in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and promotes tumor growth. High HSPA4 expression indicates poor prognosis and may influence the tumor microenvironment, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Heat shock protein A4 (HSPA4) is implicated in various human diseases.
- The role of HSPA4 in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has not been fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression, diagnostic, and prognostic value of HSPA4 in CMM.
- To explore the correlation of HSPA4 with gene alterations, methylation, and immune cell infiltration in CMM.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HSPA4 gene and protein expression in CMM using public databases.
- Cell proliferation assays (CCK8) to assess HSPA4's effect on melanoma cells.
- Diagnostic and prognostic value analysis, including ROC curve and survival analysis.
- Evaluation of gene variations, methylation, immune cell infiltration, and protein-protein interaction networks.
Main Results:
- HSPA4 mRNA and protein levels are significantly upregulated in CMM.
- HSPA4 knockdown inhibits melanoma cell proliferation.
- HSPA4 demonstrates diagnostic value and is associated with poor prognosis in CMM.
- HSPA4 expression correlates negatively with most immune cells and may be involved in immune suppression and escape.
Conclusions:
- HSPA4 is upregulated in CMM and impacts tumor growth.
- HSPA4 serves as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CMM.
- HSPA4 may play a role in regulating the CMM tumor microenvironment and immune response.
