Immune Response-Related Genes - STAT4, IL8RA and CCR7 Polymorphisms in Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study in China

Lactate-associated gene MCU promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The metabolism of lactate and lactylation of proteins are believed to influence tumor development through their effects on the tumor microenvironment and immune escape mechanisms. Nevertheless, its significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has yet to be fully understood. This investigation sought to assess the predictive value and treatment implications of lactate-related genes (LRGs) in PDAC.

METHODS

We analyzed PDAC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), identifying LRGs. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and consensus clustering, we delineated lactate subtypes and extracted differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analyses were conducted to explore pathways. A lactate-linked risk signature was constructed using Lasso-Cox regression, and its prognostic value was validated. In vitro experiments were executed to examine the function of MCU in PDAC cells. In vitro experiments were conducted to detect the malignant potential of MCU in PDAC cells and its effect on lactic acid metabolism.

RESULTS

Two lactate subtypes were identified, with distinct gene expression profiles and clinical outcomes. The risk signature, comprising four LRGs, predicted survival with significant accuracy. In vitro, MCU knockdown reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness, confirming its role in PDAC malignancy. At the same time, it can also inhibit lactate production and glycolysis processes.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation underscores the importance of LRGs in PDAC, providing a novel prognostic signature and therapeutic target.

STAT4 gene polymorphisms in human diseases

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) is a member of the STAT family, which is a group of transcription factors that regulate cytokine signaling. Genetic polymorphisms in STAT4 strongly influence immune responses and disease outcomes, especially in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Several studies have indicated that certain STAT4 gene variants are associated with alterations in STAT4 expression and/or activity and that there is a close relationship between STAT4 polymorphisms and drug efficacy. However, the underlying mechanisms are complex, and the roles of these polymorphisms in disease acquisition, progression, and severity are of widespread concern. Therefore, we provide an overview of the clinical significance of polymorphisms in STAT4 and the mechanisms by which these STAT4 variants are involved in various diseases.

C-C Chemokine Receptor 7 in Cancer

C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) was one of the first two chemokine receptors that were found to be upregulated in breast cancers. Chemokine receptors promote chemotaxis of cells and tissue organization. Since under homeostatic conditions, CCR7 promotes migration of immune cells to lymph nodes, questions immediately arose regarding the ability of CCR7 to direct migration of cancer cells to lymph nodes. The literature since 2000 was examined to determine to what extent the expression of CCR7 in malignant tumors promoted migration to the lymph nodes. The data indicated that in different cancers, CCR7 plays distinct roles in directing cells to lymph nodes, the skin or to the central nervous system. In certain tumors, it may even serve a protective role. Future studies should focus on defining mechanisms that differentially regulate the unfavorable or beneficial role that CCR7 plays in cancer pathophysiology, to be able to improve outcomes in patients who harbor CCR7-positive cancers.