Elucidating the role of MICAL1 in pan-cancer using integrated bioinformatics and experimental approaches

Cell Adh Migr. 2024 Dec;18(1):1-17. doi: 10.1080/19336918.2024.2335682. Epub 2024 Mar 31.

Abstract

Molecule interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1) is a crucial protein involved in cell motility, axon guidance, cytoskeletal dynamics, and gene transcription. This pan-cancer study analyzed MICAL1 across 33 cancer types using bioinformatics and experiments. Dysregulated expression, diagnostic potential, and prognostic value were assessed. Associations with tumor characteristics, immune factors, and drug sensitivity were explored. Enrichment analysis revealed MICAL1's involvement in metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism, and immune pathways. Functional experiments demonstrated its impact on renal carcinoma cells. These findings position MICAL1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in specific cancers, warranting further investigation into its role in cancer pathogenesis.

Keywords: Bioinformatics; MICAL1; immune pathways; pan-cancer; tumor immune microenvironment.

MeSH terms

  • Calponins
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / genetics
  • Cell Movement
  • Computational Biology
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases

Substances

  • MICAL1 protein, human
  • Calponins
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • Microfilament Proteins

Grants and funding

This study was supported by Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases [2020B1111170006], Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province [A2022541], and Yat-sen Research Project [YXQH2022016].