Pan-Cancer Analysis Identifies YKT6 as a Prognostic and Immunotherapy Biomarker, with an Emphasis on Cervical Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Genomics

Background:

• Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated membrane fusion is vital for autophagy.
• YKT6, a key cell membrane fusion modulator, is a potential cancer therapy target.
• The specific oncogenic role of YKT6 across various cancers, including CESC, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic value of YKT6 in cancer.
• To explore the immunological functions of YKT6.
• To analyze YKT6's role in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC).

Main Methods:

• Utilized TCGA, CCLE, and GTEx databases to analyze YKT6 expression patterns and survival rates.
• Employed ImmuCellAI, UCSC Xena, and ESTIMATE to assess YKT6's relationship with the tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration.
• Performed q-PCR, TMA staining, and siRNA assays to validate YKT6's function in CESC.

Main Results:

• YKT6 expression is linked to poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
• Identified distinct YKT6 gene mutation, methylation, and copy number alteration (CNA) patterns in various cancers.
• Confirmed YKT6's high expression in advanced CESC and its role in inhibiting cervical cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

• YKT6 functions as a prognostic biomarker and potential oncogene with actionable mutations.
• YKT6 shows promise as a prognostic indicator in CESC.
• Targeting YKT6 may enhance autophagy regulation and personalize cancer treatment strategies.