Methylation-driven genes and their prognostic value in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Jinhui Liu, Sipei Nie, Siyue Li, Huangyang Meng, Rui Sun, Jing Yang, Wenjun Cheng
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Abnormal gene methylation is crucial for tumor progression. This study explored a cluster of methylation-driven genes involved in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC). METHODS: The data on RNA expression, methylation and clinical outcomes of CESC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses were performed to identify the biological functions of methylation-driven genes, and univariable and multivariate Cox analyses to screen out the key prognostic genes. A risk signature was established and its predictive value was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves. The key genes were further investigated by Cox regression analyses, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and methylation site analysis. Additionally, "rms" package was used for establishing nomogram and calibrate curve. RESULTS: were uncovered. Additionally, the nomogram also validated the performance of risk model. CONCLUSIONS: are associated with CESC development. The three genes might serve as potential targets in the treatment of CESC.