Development of a PPP1R14B-associated immune prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

This study sought to comprehensively examine PPP1R14B's function and its immune-related correlations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

RNA-seq and clinical information for HCC were procured from TCGA database. The links between PPP1R14B level and immune modulators plus immune cell populations were examined through Spearman correlation assessment. The immune landscape was assessed utilizing CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. Gene set variation examination helped explore immune cell populations and their activities. The construction of prognostic models involved univariate and multivariate Cox regression investigations. Immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity were evaluated based on tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer (GDSC), respectively.

RESULTS

PPP1R14B levels were substantially elevated in HCC specimens versus normal tissues, and elevated expression independently linked to diminished survival rates. PPP1R14B levels exhibited notable associations with various immune cells, including memory B lymphocytes, M1/M2 macrophage populations, CD8-positive T lymphocytes, and T follicular helper cells. The analysis revealed distinct variations in immune scores and multiple immune cell enrichment patterns between elevated and reduced PPP1R14B expression categories, suggesting immune status connections. Elevated PPP1R14B cohorts demonstrated increased TIDE scores, alongside decreased IC50 measurements for specific drugs, including temsirolimus, sorafenib, rapamycin, dasatinib, and cytarabine, pointing to treatment response relationships. The study constructed a PPP1R14B-linked immune prediction model, demonstrating acceptable prognostic capability for HCC patients. The incorporation of pathological grade and pathological T stage parameters alongside risk scores in a nomogram enhanced the predictive accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation thoroughly uncovered the significance of PPP1R14B in HCC, and established a PPP1R14B-linked immune prognostic signature. The findings facilitate the classification of HCC patients into distinct cohorts for developing individualized therapeutic approaches.