Prognostic Signatures Based on Ferroptosis- and Immune-Related Genes for Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are among the most common malignancies of the female genital tract. Ferroptosis and immunity regulate each other and play important roles in the progression of CESC. The present study aimed to screen ferroptosis- and immune-related differentially expressed genes (FI-DEGs) to identify suitable prognostic signatures for patients with CESC. We downloaded the RNAseq count data and corresponding clinical information of CESC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database; obtained recognized ferroptosis- and immune-related genes from the FerrDb and ImmPort databases, respectively; and screened for suitable prognostic signatures using a series of bioinformatics analyses. We identified eight FI-DEGs (CALCRL, CHIT1, DES, DUOX1, FLT1, HELLS, SCD, and SDC1) that were independently correlated with the overall survival of patients with CESC. The prediction model constructed using these eight FI-DEGs was also independently correlated with overall survival. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model constructed using these eight signatures were over 60%. The comprehensive index of ferroptosis and immune status was significantly correlated with the immunity of patients with CESC. In conclusion, the risk assessment model constructed with these eight FI-DEGs predicted the CESC outcomes. Therefore, these eight FI-DEGs could serve as prognostic signatures for CESC.

Automated summary

This study screened ferroptosis- and immune-related differentially expressed genes (FI-DEGs) associated with the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). A prognostic signature prediction model was constructed using eight FI-DEGs, which were found to be independently correlated with overall survival. These eight FI-DEGs may serve as prognostic signatures for CESC.