Expression and prognostic signatures of m6A-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common modification and plays an important role in various biological processes, but m6A-related lncRNA functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been systematically clarified. Methods The clinical data and RNA-seq transcriptome of 375 cases of HCC and 50 cases of normal tissues were obtained from the Cancer Gene Atlas database. Co-expression analysis was used to obtain m6A-related lncRNA. The independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Kaplan-Meier method was used in survival analysis. The core gene of the mRNA-mRNA interaction network is related to m6A-related lncRNAs obtained by the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. Gene ontology and Kyoto Gene Encyclopedia were analyzed to find out the potential mechanism. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the relative proportion of immune infiltrating cells. Results We identified two subgroups (cluster 1 and cluster 2) according to the expression level. The survival analysis curve and receiver operating characteristic curve proved that this model could predict the prognosis of HCC patients. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed the independent prognostic value. UBE2C was screened as the pivotal gene. The expression level of m6A-related lncRNAs causes changes in the tumor immune microenvironment. Conclusion The expression levels of m6A-related lncRNAs were significantly different and the prognostic value of m6A-related lncRNAs was confirmed. The m6A-related lncRNAs are expected to be prognostic signatures in HCC.

Automated summary

This study systematically clarifies the functions of m6A-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies their prognostic value in HCC patients.