Identification of an Autophagy-Related Gene Signature for the Prediction of Prognosis in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer

• DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.755789
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01T03:28:59Z
• Authors: Xu-tao Lin; Qiu-ning Wu; Si Qin; De-jun Fan; Min-yi Lv; Xi Chen; Jia-wei Cai; Jing-rong Weng; Yi-feng Zou; Yu-ming Rong; Feng Gao
• Keywords: Identification; Signature (topology); Gene signature

Purpose: A certain number of early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) patients suffer tumor recurrence after initial curative resection. In this context, an effective prognostic biomarker model is constantly in need. Autophagy exhibits a dual role tumorigenesis. Our study aims to develop autophagy-related gene (ATG) signature-based on high-throughput data analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) prognosis with stage I/II CRC. Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical information CRC extracted from four public datasets were distributed discovery training cohort (GSE39582), validation (TCGA CRC, n = 624), meta-validation (GSE37892 GSE14333, 420). genes significantly associated identified. Results: Among 655 genes, 10-gene ATG signature, which was DFS the (HR, 2.76[1.56–4.82]; p 2.06 × 10–4), constructed. The stratifying into high low autophagy risk groups, validated 2.29[1.15–4.55]; 1.5 10–2) cohorts 2.5[1.03–6.06]; 3.63 proved be multivariate analysis. Functional revealed enrichment several immune/inflammatory pathways group, where increased infiltration T regulatory cells (Tregs) decreased M1 macrophages observed. Conclusion: established signature that effectively predicted patients. Meanwhile, also possible relationship among process, response,