METTL4 and METTL5 as biomarkers for recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with high rates of postoperative recurrence. Identifying reliable biomarkers for predicting recurrence is critical for improving patient outcomes. This study investigates the predictive value of m6A methylation-related genes, METTL4 and METTL5, on HCC recurrence after surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed METTL4 and METTL5 expression in HCC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues using the TCGA database and evaluated their levels in surgical samples from 67 hCC patients. A recurrence risk model was developed and validated in an external cohort of 65 patients. RESULTS: METTL4 and METTL5 were significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues. High expression correlated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). The model stratified patients into high, medium, and low-risk groups with 3-year RFS rates of 18.75%, 69.70%, and 93.75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: METTL4 and METTL5 expression levels are strong predictors of HCC recurrence. The risk model offers a novel approach for postoperative management of HCC.
Source: Future Oncology
Authors: Jialing Zhao, Ruiqi Sun, Liang Zhi, Danjing Guo, Sunbin Ling, Xiangnan Liang, Jianhui Li, Changku Jia
Institutions: Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Zhejiang Shuren University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
Language: English
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4405628221