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Updated: May 13, 2026
MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR
Published on: May 16, 2012
Identifying MTHFD1 and LGALS4 as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Prostate Cancer Through Multi-Omics Mendelian
Huan Han1, Hanwen Su1, Zhihua Lv1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China.
Abstract:
Background: Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. The treatment of it is currently based on surgical removal, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. It is crucial to improve therapeutic prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer via drug target screening. Methods: We integrated eQTL data from the eQTLGen Consortium and pQTL data from UK Biobank Proteome Plasma Proteins (UKB-PPP) and deCODE health datasets. MR analyses (SMR, heterogeneity in dependent instruments (HEIDI), IVW, Wald ratio, weighted median, and MR-Egger) were used to screen candidate genes associated with prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) risk. Candidate genes were further verified through TCGA-based gene expression profile, survival analysis, and immune microenvironment evaluations. TIDE analysis was utilized to investigate gene immunotherapy response. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GSE176031 dataset were used to investigate the gene expression patterns. The Drug Bank, Therapeutic Target Database and Drug Signatures Database were utilized to predict targeted drugs for candidate genes. Results: MTHFD1 and LGALS4 were identified as promising therapeutic targets for PRAD, with evidence provided at multi-omics levels. LGALS4 was predominantly expressed in malignant cells and was correlated with enhanced immune checkpoint pathways, increased TIDE scores, and immunotherapy resistance. In contrast, MTHFD1was expressed in both tumor and microenvironmental cells and was associated with poor survival. Drug target prediction suggested that there are no currently approved drugs specifically targeting MTHFD1 and LGALS4. Conclusions: Our study identified MTHFD1 and LGALS4 as potential preventive targets for PRAD. However, future experiments are warranted to assess the utility and effectiveness of these candidate proteins.
Insights
This study identified MTHFD1 and LGALS4 as potential therapeutic targets for prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in preventing PRAD.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of male cancer mortality globally.
- Current treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Improved drug targets are crucial for better prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen for novel drug targets for prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) risk.
- To validate candidate genes using multi-omics data and clinical information.
- To predict potential targeted drugs for identified candidate genes.
Main Methods:
- Integrated eQTL and pQTL data with Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses.
- Utilized TCGA data for gene expression, survival, and immune microenvironment analysis.
- Employed TIDE, single-cell RNA sequencing, and drug databases for validation and drug prediction.
Main Results:
- MTHFD1 and LGALS4 were identified as promising therapeutic targets for PRAD.
- LGALS4 correlates with immunotherapy resistance, while MTHFD1 is linked to poor survival.
- No currently approved drugs specifically target MTHFD1 or LGALS4.
Conclusions:
- MTHFD1 and LGALS4 show potential as preventive targets for PRAD.
- Further experimental validation is required to assess their clinical utility and efficacy.
- This study highlights multi-omics approaches for identifying novel cancer targets.
