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Identification of methionine metabolism related prognostic model and tumor suppressive functions of BHMT in hepatocellular carcinoma

  • 0Department of Pathology, Infectious Diseases Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330001, Jiangxi, China.
Scientific Reports +

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March 19, 2025

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March 19, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a new prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on methionine metabolism. It reveals that Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) acts as a tumor suppressor, potentially improving immunotherapy outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Metabolic pathways
  • Cancer biomarkers

Background

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows resistance to current treatments and limitations in immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
  • Methionine metabolism, particularly the Hoffman effect, is crucial for HCC development.
  • Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) is involved in methionine metabolism and linked to cancer prognosis.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a prognostic model for HCC related to methionine metabolism.
  • To investigate the role of BHMT in HCC progression and prognosis.
  • To identify novel biomarkers for HCC treatment and immunotherapy.

Main Methods

  • Bioinformatics analysis of multiple HCC datasets.
  • Construction of a methionine metabolism-related prognostic model.
  • Investigation of BHMT expression and its correlation with clinical outcomes and immune cell infiltration (CIBERSORT).

Main Results

  • A significant decrease in BHMT expression was observed in HCC, correlating with poor clinical outcomes.
  • BHMT expression was linked to increased M1 macrophage infiltration.
  • The study established a novel prognostic model for HCC based on methionine metabolism.

Conclusions

  • BHMT exhibits tumor-suppressive functions in HCC.
  • BHMT may serve as a prognostic biomarker for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in HCC.
  • This study provides a new methionine metabolism-related prognostic model and insights into BHMT's role in HCC.

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