Angiogenesis-Related Genes Predict Outcomes and Immune Traits in Skin Melanoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Angiogenesis and immunity intricately influence tumor progression.
• Angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) play crucial roles in tumor development and immune response.
• Understanding ARGs in skin melanoma is vital for refining therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic significance and molecular characteristics of ARGs in skin melanoma (SKCM).
• To explore the relationship between ARG expression and immune cell infiltration in SKCM.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets by analyzing ARG roles in melanoma immunity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the TCGA-SKCM dataset for ARG expression.
• Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (overall, disease-specific, progression-free).
• Comprehensive immune profiling, including immune checkpoint and cell infiltration analyses.

Main Results:

• Identified S100A4, ITGAV, and COL3A1 as significant prognostic markers in SKCM.
• Revealed differential expression of multiple ARGs between SKCM and normal skin.
• Demonstrated complex correlations between ARG expression and immune cell infiltration, highlighting their immunomodulatory roles.

Conclusions:

• ARGs possess significant prognostic relevance in skin melanoma.
• ARGs contribute to tumor immunity and modulate the tumor microenvironment.
• ARGs represent potential targets for melanoma immunotherapy, acting as both vascular and immune regulators.