Identification of Lactate-Related Subgroups and Prognostic Model in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that exhibits elevated glycolytic capacity. Lactate, as a byproduct of glycolysis, is considered a major oncometabolite that plays an important role in oncogenesis and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. However, the potential roles of lactate in TNBC are not yet fully understood. In this study, our goal was to identify prognosis-related lactate genes (PLGs) and construct a lactate-related prognostic model (LRPM) for TNBC.Methods First, we applied lactate-related genes to classify TNBC samples using hierarchical clustering algorithm. Then, we performed the log-rank analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis to screen PLGs and construct the LRPM. The biological functions of the identified PLGs in TNBC were inverstigated using CCK8 assay and clone formation assay. Finally, we constructed a nomogram based on the lactate-risk score (LRS) and tumor clinical stage. We used operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the predictive capability of the nomogram.Results Our results showed that the TNBC samples could be classified into two subgroups with different survival probabilities. Three genes (NDUFAF3, CARS2 and FH), which can suppress TNBC cell proliferation, were identified as PLGs. Moreover, the LRPM and nomogram exhibited excellent predictive performance for TNBC patient prognosis.Conclusion we have developed a novel LRPM that enables risk stratification and identification of poor molecular subtypes in TNBC patients, showing great potential in clinical practice.