Comprehensive analysis of the glutathione S-transferase Mu (GSTM) gene family in ovarian cancer identifies prognostic and expression significance

Juan Zhang; Yan Li; Juan Zou; Chun-Tian Lai; Tian Zeng; Juan Peng; Wen-da Zou; Bei Cao; Dan Liu; Li-Yu Zhu; Hui Li; Yu-Kun Li

doi:10.3389/fonc.2022.968547

Comprehensive analysis of the glutathione S-transferase Mu (GSTM) gene family in ovarian cancer identifies prognostic and expression significance

Front Oncol. 2022 Jul 28:12:968547. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968547. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Juan Zhang¹, Yan Li¹, Juan Zou², Chun-Tian Lai¹, Tian Zeng², Juan Peng¹, Wen-da Zou¹, Bei Cao¹, Dan Liu¹, Li-Yu Zhu¹, Hui Li¹, Yu-Kun Li^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou central hospital, Xiangya hospital Zhuzhou central south university, Central south university, Zhuzhou, China.
² Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, China.

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common types of gynecologic tumor over the world. The Glutathione S-transferase Mu (GSTM) has five members, including GSTM1-5. These GSTMs is involved in cell metabolism and detoxification, but their role in OC remains unknown.

Methods: Data from multiple public databases associated with OC and GSTMs were collected. Expression, prognosis, function enrichment, immune infiltration, stemness index, and drug sensitivity analysis was utilized to identify the roles of GSTMs in OC progression. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the effect of AICAR, AT-7519, PHA-793887 and PI-103 on the mRNA levels of GSTM3/4.

Results: GSTM1-5 were decreased in OC samples compared to normal ovary samples. GSTM1/5 were positively correlated with OC prognosis, but GSTM3 was negatively correlated with OC prognosis. Function enrichment analysis indicated GSTMs were involved in glutathione metabolism, drug metabolism, and drug resistance. Immune infiltration analysis indicated GSTM2/3/4 promoted immune escape in OC. GSTM5 was significantly correlated with OC stemness index. GSTM3/4 were remarkedly associated with OC chemoresistance, especially in AICAR, AT-7519, PHA-793887 and PI-103.

Conclusion: GSTM3 was negatively correlated with OC prognosis, and associated with OC chemoresistance and immune escape. This gene may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic target for OC patients.

Keywords: GSTM family; bioinformatic analysis; drug sensitivity; ovarian cancer; prognostic marker.