Work

Identification of pyroptosis-associated miRNAs in the immunoscape and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent types of liver malignancy and poses a severe threat to global health. Despite recent improvements in therapeutic approaches, treatment options for patients with advanced or recurrent HCC are still limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study analyzed miRNA differential expression using data from hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas. Pyroptosis-related genes were identified from gene cards. Differential expression of miRNAs was analyzed using DESeq2 and visualized using ggplot2 and pheatmap. A prognostic risk model for pyroptosis-associated miRNAs was constructed using LASSO regression and validated by principal component analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival and ROC curve analysis. We also performed gene and pathway enrichment analysis. Immune cell infiltration and function in HCC were assessed using single-sample genomic enrichment analysis, and correlations with immune cells and function were explored. Also, CCK-8 assay as well as migration and invasion assays were performed after knockdown of miR-6844. RESULTS: We have established and validated a prognostic risk model based on ten DEmiRNAs, which is important for the survival of HCC patients. Significant changes in immune cell infiltration and immune function were also found in high-risk patients. It also demonstrated that knockdown of miR-6844 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, highlighting its role in HCC progression. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals the implications of pyroptosis-associated differential miRNAs on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and provides a foundation for novel HCC therapies, especially immunotherapy.

Source: BMC Cancer

DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-13276-5

Authors: Yuting Zheng, Xing Huang

Institutions: First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University

Language: English

Topic: MicroRNA in disease regulation

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190