Identification of Basement Membrane-Related Signatures in Gastric Cancer

Background: The basement membrane (BM) serves as a major barrier to impede tumor cell invasion and extravasation during metastasis. However, the associations between BM-related genes and GC remain unclear. Methods: RNA expression data and corresponding clinical information of STAD samples were downloaded from the TCGA database. We identified BM-related subtypes and constructed a BM-related gene prognostic model using lasso-Cox regression analysis. We also investigated the single-cell properties of prognostic-related genes and the TME characteristic, TMB status, and chemotherapy response in high- and low-risk groups. Finally, we verified our results in the GEPIA database and human tissue specimens. Results: A six-gene lasso Cox regression model (APOD, CAPN6, GPC3, PDK4, SLC7A2, SVEP1) was developed. Activated CD4+ T cells and follicular T cells were shown to infiltrate more widely in the low-risk group. The low-risk group harbored significantly higher TMB and better prognosis, favoring immunotherapy. Conclusions: We constructed a six-gene BM-related prognostic model for predicting GC prognosis, immune cell infiltration, TMB status, and chemotherapy response. This research provides new ideas for developing more effective individualized treatment of GC patients.

Automated summary

This study identified six BM-related genes and developed a prognostic model for gastric cancer. It was found that activated CD4+ T cells and follicular T cells infiltrated more widely in the low-risk group, which also had higher TMB levels and better prognosis, favoring immunotherapy.