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NKAP: A new m6A RNA binding protein predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

  • 0Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery +

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January 27, 2025

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January 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nuclear factor κB activating protein (NKAP) is upregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). High NKAP expression indicates a poor prognosis and predicts a better response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunotherapy

Background

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant global health challenge.
  • Identifying reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers is crucial for optimizing HNSCC treatment strategies.
  • Nuclear factor κB activating protein (NKAP) role in HNSCC remains underexplored.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the prognostic value of NKAP in HNSCC.
  • To determine if NKAP can predict response to immunotherapy in HNSCC patients.
  • To explore the functional pathways associated with NKAP in HNSCC.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 520 HNSCC tumor tissues and 44 normal tissues from TCGA, validated in a clinical cohort (n=32).
  • Assessment of NKAP mRNA expression levels and correlation with overall survival, immunotherapy response, and clinicopathological variables (tumor stage, grade, HPV status, TP53 mutation).
  • In vitro functional enrichment analysis to identify pathways regulated by NKAP.

Main Results

  • NKAP was significantly upregulated in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues (P < 0.001).
  • High NKAP expression correlated with advanced tumor stage, higher grade, and reduced overall survival (P < 0.05).
  • Elevated NKAP levels were associated with a positive response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy (P < 0.05) and involvement in cancer-related pathways.

Conclusions

  • NKAP serves as a potential prognostic biomarker for HNSCC.
  • NKAP may predict immunotherapy response in HNSCC patients.
  • NKAP represents a promising therapeutic target for HNSCC, warranting further investigation.

Keywords:

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