ALYREF associated with immune infiltration is a prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Transl Oncol. 2022 Jul:21:101441. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101441. Epub 2022 May 3.

Abstract

Background: Although ALYREF has been demonstrated to have a role in a number of malignancies, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has received little attention. Our objective was to research at the prognostic value, biological role and relevance of ALYREF to the immune system in HCC.

Methods: The expression of ALYREF and its relationship with clinical parameters of HCC patients were analyzed by liver cancer cohort (LIHC) of The Cancer Genome Atlas. The expression and prognosis were verified by immunohistochemistry experiments. Gene transfection, CCK-8, scratch healing, transwell invasion and flow cytometry were used to assess the molecular function of ALYREF in vitro. The TIMER and TISIDB online data portals were used to assess the relevance of ALYREF to immunization. Stepwise regression analysis of ALYREF-related immune genes in the LIHC training set was used to construct a prognostic risk prediction model. Also, construct a nomogram to predict patient survival. The testing set for internal verification.

Results: Knockdown of ALYREF changed the biological phenotypes of HCC cells, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. In addition, the expression of ALYREF in HCC affected the level of immune cell infiltration and correlated with the overall survival time of patients. The constructed immune prognostic model allows for a valid assessment of patients.

Conclusion: ALYREF is increased in HCC, has an impact on cellular function and the immune system, and might be used as a prognostic marker.

Keywords: ALYREF; HCC; Immune; Nomogram; Prognosis.