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Employing cancer driver genes for the identification of immunological features in two esophageal cancer subtypes to facilitate immunotherapy

  • 0Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Anyang Tumor Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Anyang City, Henan Province, China.
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology +

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September 17, 2025

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September 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identified 18 cancer driver genes (CDGs) linked to esophageal cancer (ESCA) survival and distinct patient subtypes. RUNX1, NONO, and TSC2 were validated as key genes in ESCA progression and cell lines.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background

  • Esophageal cancer (ESCA) poses a significant health challenge.
  • Cancer driver genes (CDGs) are being explored as potential therapeutic biomarkers for ESCA.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To identify survival-associated CDGs in ESCA.
  • To classify ESCA patients into subtypes based on CDG expression.
  • To investigate the immune landscape and molecular characteristics of these subtypes.

Main Methods

  • Univariate regression analysis to identify survival-associated CDGs.
  • Consensus clustering of TCGA-ESCA data based on CDG expression.
  • Differential gene expression analysis, immune infiltration assessment, and mutation profiling.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validation in ESCA cell lines.

Main Results

  • Identified 18 CDGs significantly associated with ESCA patient survival.
  • Classified patients into two subtypes with distinct immune infiltration levels and immune dysfunction scores.
  • Discovered enrichment of pathways related to humoral immune response and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction in DEGs.
  • Validated RUNX1, NONO, and TSC2 as significantly overexpressed and survival-associated in ESCA cell lines.

Conclusions

  • The study elucidates the functional roles of CDGs in ESCA.
  • Identified potential CDG-based biomarkers for ESCA patient stratification and treatment strategies.
  • Highlighted RUNX1, NONO, and TSC2 as promising targets for further investigation in ESCA.

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