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Pan-cancer analysis reveals SMARCAL1 expression is associated with immune cell infiltration and poor prognosis in
Wu-Jie Zhao1, Meng-Lei Wang2, Yun-Fang Zhao3
1Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China.
Abstract:
Although immune checkpoint inhibition in particular has shown promise in cancer immunotherapy, it is not always efficient. Recent studies suggest that SMARCAL1 may play a role in tumor immune evasion, yet its pan-cancer role is unclear. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of SMARCAL1 using TCGA, GTEx, and CCLE databases, evaluating its expression, genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, and their clinical correlations across 33 cancer types. Our findings indicate that SMARCAL1 is overexpressed in several cancers, such as Glioma, LUAD, KIRC, and LIHC, impacting prognosis. Elevated SMARCAL1 is linked to poor outcomes in Glioma, LUAD, and LIHC but correlates with better survival in KIRC. We also found significant associations between SMARCAL1 expression and DNA methylation in 13 cancers. Furthermore, SMARCAL1 expression correlates with immune infiltration, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. This study underscores the need for further research on SMARCAL1 to enhance immunotherapeutic strategies.
Insights
SMARCAL1, a gene involved in tumor immune evasion, shows varied expression across 33 cancer types. Its role in cancer immunotherapy requires further investigation for improved treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibition is a promising cancer immunotherapy, but its efficacy varies.
- Recent research suggests SMARCAL1 may influence tumor immune evasion, but its comprehensive role across cancers is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a pan-cancer analysis of SMARCAL1 expression, genetic alterations, and epigenetic modifications.
- To evaluate the clinical correlations of SMARCAL1 across 33 cancer types.
- To explore the relationship between SMARCAL1 and immune infiltration for potential therapeutic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases.
- Analyzed SMARCAL1 expression, genetic alterations, and DNA methylation patterns.
- Correlated SMARCAL1 status with patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration.
Main Results:
- SMARCAL1 is overexpressed in several cancers including Glioma, Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC), and Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC).
- Elevated SMARCAL1 expression correlates with poor prognosis in Glioma, LUAD, and LIHC, but with better survival in KIRC.
- Significant associations were found between SMARCAL1 expression and DNA methylation in 13 cancer types, and expression correlates with immune infiltration.
Conclusions:
- SMARCAL1 plays a significant, albeit varied, role in the prognosis of multiple cancer types.
- SMARCAL1 expression is linked to epigenetic modifications and immune infiltration, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy.
- Further research into SMARCAL1 is crucial for developing enhanced immunotherapeutic strategies.
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