Integrated Analysis of the Prognosis-Associated RNA-Binding Protein Genes and Candidate Drugs in Renal Papillary Cell Carcinoma

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play significant roles in various cancer types. However, the functions of RBPs have not been clarified in renal papillary cell carcinoma (pRCC). In this study, we identified 31 downregulated and 89 upregulated differentially expressed RBPs on the basis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database and performed functional enrichment analyses. Subsequently, through univariate Cox, random survival forest, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, six RBPs of SNRPN, RRS1, INTS8, RBPMS2, IGF2BP3, and PIH1D2 were screened out, and the prognostic model was then established. Further analyses revealed that the high-risk group had poor overall survival. The area under the curve values were 0.87 and 0.75 at 3 years and 0.78 and 0.69 at 5 years in the training set and test set, respectively. We then plotted a nomogram on the basis of the six RBPs and tumor stage with the substantiation in the TCGA cohort. Moreover, we selected two intersectant RBPs and evaluate their biological effects by GSEA and predicted three drugs, including STOCK1N-28457, pyrimethamine, and trapidil by using the Connectivity Map. Our research provided a novel insight into pRCC and improved the determination of prognosis and individualized therapeutic strategies.

Automated summary

This study identified differentially expressed RNA-binding proteins in renal papillary cell carcinoma using TCGA database and established a prognostic model. High-risk group showed poor overall survival, and further analysis revealed potential therapeutic drugs for the disease. The research provided new insights into pRCC prognosis and individualized treatment strategies.