An 18-gene signature based on glucose metabolism and DNA methylation improves prognostic prediction for urinary bladder cancer

Background: Glucose metabolism and DNA methylation play important roles in cancers. We aimed to identify glucose metabolism-related genes that were DNA methylation associated to establish a prognostic signature of bladder cancer (BLCA). Methods: With BLCA sample transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and methylation data from TCGA 450 K microarray, glucose metabolism-related genes associated to prognosis and DNA methylation were identified and a prognostic signature was established. GSEA and WGCNA analysis were performed and two genes, UCHL1 and PYCR1, were selected for functional validations. Results: 18 target genes were identified and the signature based on them was considered an effective and independent prognostic factor. Several pathways were enriched in the high-risk group by GSEA and three modules of genes were identified by WGCNA. UCHL1 and PYCR1 proliferated proliferation, migration and invasion ability of bladder cancer cells. Conclusions: The 18-gene signature is an independent prognostic factor for bladder cancer patients.

Automated summary

Glucose metabolism and DNA methylation are important in cancers. A prognostic signature for bladder cancer was established using 18 genes associated with glucose metabolism and DNA methylation. Two genes (UCHL1 and PYCR1) were shown to enhance the malignant characteristics of bladder cancer cells.