A Prognosis Marker Dynein Cytoplasmic 1 Heavy Chain 1 Correlates with EMT and Immune Signature in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Bioinformatics and Experimental Analysis

Disease Markers, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6304859 · Published: May 11, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the role of DYNC1H1, a protein-coding gene, in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). The research analyzes DYNC1H1 expression and its relationship with clinical and pathological data, gene enrichment, and immune infiltration in LIHC patients. The study uses data from the TCGA database, TIMER, CIBERSORT, GEPIA, K-M survival analysis, and immunohistochemical staining to validate the results. It also assesses the diagnostic value of DYNC1H1 using GEO datasets and quantitative real-time PCR. The findings suggest that DYNC1H1 expression is associated with T classification, pathologic stage, histologic grade, and serum AFP levels. High DYNC1H1 expression is linked to poor prognosis in LIHC patients and is enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

424 cases including 374 cases of LIHC tissue and 50 cases of normal healthy liver tissues

Evidence Level

Level 3: Retrospective analysis of public datasets (TCGA, GEO) with experimental validation (qRT-PCR)

Key Findings

1
DYNC1H1 expression levels were associated with T classification, pathologic stage, histologic grade, and serum AFP levels in LIHC patients.
2
DYNC1H1 is an independent factor for a poor prognosis in patients with LIHC, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
3
High expression of DYNC1H1 was enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the TGFβ signaling pathway, suggesting its role in LIHC progression through EMT and immune response.

Research Summary

The study investigates the role of DYNC1H1 in LIHC using bioinformatics and experimental analysis, finding that DYNC1H1 expression is associated with clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. GSEA analysis revealed that DYNC1H1 is enriched in the EMT pathway, suggesting its role in LIHC progression. The study also explores the relationship between DYNC1H1 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The research validates DYNC1H1 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for LIHC, showing its higher specificity compared to AFP and suggesting its utility for early diagnosis and effective intervention.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

DYNC1H1 has a higher specificity than AFP for LIHC diagnosis, making it a potential diagnostic marker.

Therapeutic Target

DYNC1H1 regulates EMT and immune responses in LIHC, providing a novel therapeutic target.

Prognostic Biomarker

DYNC1H1 serves as an independent prognostic factor for poor OS in LIHC patients, aiding in risk stratification.

Study Limitations

1
Data sources are primarily from public databases, requiring validation with serum samples from LIHC patients.
2
The study requires more experimental validation and mechanistic elucidation in cell lines and animal models.
3
Further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed.

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