Identification of IGF2BP2 and lncRNA TUG1 in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment in HNSCC| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

Objective.

This study aimed to investigate the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of HNSCC.

Methods.

497 samples from TCGA were analyzed to identify m6A-related lncRNAs via correlation models. Tripartite regression models, Kaplan-Meier analysis and nomograms were then utilized to assess the prognostic significance of these lncRNAs. Tumor mutation burden and immune cell infiltration analyses were also performed. Moreover, m6A-related lncRNAs expression and relation with IGF2BP2 were confirmed by RT-qPCR.

Results.

The risk model revealed that high-risk scores predicting poorer survival outcomes. Eleven key m6A-related lncRNAs showed associations with immune checkpoint molecules especially CTLA4 and PD-1. Finally, we found that knockdown of TUG1 downregulated the expression level of IGF2BP2.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that the m6A-related lncRNA risk model has potential clinical utility in predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses in HNSCC patients. Identification of candidate compounds for immunotherapy further emphasizes the model's relevance in guiding treatment decisions for HNSCC.