Multimodal Analysis Reveals Immune Suppression Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Related to RBM27 and
Wenjuan Gao1, Dongwei Cong1, Xiuqi Chen2
1Department of Gastroenterology, The 962th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Harbin, China.
Human Mutation
|July 16, 2026
Summary
RNA-binding motif protein 27 (RBM27) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), driving tumor progression and immune evasion. Targeting RBM27 may offer a new strategy against HCC immune escape.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is aggressive and therapy-resistant due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment.
- The role of RNA-binding motif protein 27 (RBM27) in HCC immune evasion is currently unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of RBM27 in HCC progression and immune evasion.
- To explore RBM27 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Integrated multiomics analyses (TCGA/GEO, single-cell/spatial transcriptomics) and functional validation.
- Assessed RBM27 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines.
- Utilized RBM27 knockdown models to evaluate impacts on HCC cell behavior and tumor growth, alongside immune and metabolic profiling.
Main Results:
- RBM27 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues, correlated with advanced stages and poor survival.
- RBM27 knockdown suppressed HCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth.
- RBM27 promoted immunosuppression by activating oxidative phosphorylation, depleting CD8+ T and NK cells, and enriching Treg/Th2 cells.
Conclusions:
- RBM27, driven by genetic alterations, promotes HCC progression by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment via OXPHOS activation.
- RBM27 serves as a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting RBM27 could be a therapeutic strategy to combat HCC immune escape.
