Analysis of m7G-Related Signatures in Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Their Correlation with Survival

Abstract

Abstract N7-methylguanosine (M7G) is a prevalent modification of mRNA in biological systems, and plays a role in various biological processes. Previous research has demonstrated that expression of m7G RNA modification is correlated with cancer and a range of other pathological conditions. The study aimed to explore the potential of m7G as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC). A comprehensive analysis was conducted to identify m7G-related genes in ACC by first compiling a list of 26 critical regulators through previous research and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Subsequently, LASSO Cox regression analysis was performed on RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and accompanying clinical data, resulting in the identification of nine m7G prognostic signatures (GEMIN5, DCPS, AGO2, EIF4E2, NCBP1, WDR4, EIF4A1, EIF4E3, NUDT16) to create a predictive signature. Patients with ACC were then classified into high- and low-risk groups based on the predictive signature, with the results showing that patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis. The m7G signature demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity and robustness, as demonstrated by its diagnostic performance and external validation through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of m7G RNA methylation in ACC and offers insight into the gene expression, function, interaction, and predictive value of m7G-related genes, which may provide valuable information for prognosis prediction and treatment guidance for ACC patients.