Risk prediction model of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on immune-related genes.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Given the significant role of immune-related genes in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) and the long-term outcomes of patients, our objective was to develop a prognostic risk prediction model using immune-related genes to improve the accuracy of UCEC prognosis prediction. METHODS: The Limma, ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT methods were used for cluster analysis, immune score calculation, and estimation of immune cell proportions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to develop a prognostic risk model for UCEC. Risk model scores and nomograms were used to evaluate the models. String constructs a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of genes. The qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) all confirmed the genes. RESULTS: Cluster analysis divided the immune-related genes into four subtypes. 33 immune-related genes were used to independently predict the prognosis of UCEC and construct the prognosis model and risk score. The analysis of the survival nomogram indicated that the model has excellent predictive ability and strong reliability for predicting the survival of patients with UCEC. The protein-protein interaction network analysis of key genes indicates that four genes play a pivotal role in interactions GZMK, IL7, GIMAP, and UBD. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) all confirmed the expression of the aforementioned genes and their correlation with immune cell levels. This further revealed that GZMK, IL7, GIMAP, and UBD could potentially serve as biomarkers associated with immune levels in endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: The study identified genes related to immune response in UCEC, including GZMK, IL7, GIMAP, and UBD, which may serve as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for evaluating immune levels in the future.