Identification and Verification of a Prognostic Risk Signature in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Title:Identification and Verification of a Prognostic Risk Signature in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Volume: 24

Author(s): Rishou Chen, Junlin Duan, Yonglong Ye, Huan Xu, Yali Ding and Jun Liu*

Affiliation:

• Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China

Keywords: OSCC, mTORC1, ssGSEA, Gene mutation, Risk signature.

Abstract: Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignant condition. This study aimed to investigate the role of mTORC1 signaling and develop a prognostic model for OSCC.

Materials and Methods: The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was utilized to calculate the Z-Score of Hallmarks in OSCC, followed by univariate Cox regression analysis to identify processes associated with prognosis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed using transcriptomic data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort to identify genes correlated with mTORC1 signaling. A six-gene prognostic model was constructed using multifactorial Cox regression analysis and validated using an external dataset.

Results: The study uncovered a strong linkage between mTORC1, glycolysis, hypoxia, and the prognosis of OSCC. mTORC1 signaling emerged as the most significant risk factor, negatively impacting patient survival. Additionally, a six-gene prognostic risk score model was developed which provided a quantitative measure of patients' survival probabilities. Interestingly, within the context of these findings, TP53 gene mutations were predominantly observed in the high-risk group, potentially underlining the genetic complexity of this patient subgroup. Additionally, differential immune cell infiltration and an integrated nomogram were also reported.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of mTORC1 signaling in OSCC prognosis and presents a robust prognostic model for predicting patient outcomes.

Cite this article as:

Chen Rishou, Duan Junlin, Ye Yonglong, Xu Huan, Ding Yali and Liu Jun*, Identification and Verification of a Prognostic Risk Signature in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2024; 24 () . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115680266335055240828061128