Comprehensive Analysis on the Specific Role and Function of Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Protein MPV17 in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background. Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the predominant type of liver cancer, and its treatment still faces great challenges presently. Mitochondrial inner membrane protein MPV17 is reported to be involved in multiple biological activities of cancers. Here, we seek to investigate the specific role and functions of MPV17 in LIHC progression. Methods. Firstly, MPV17 expressions in various tumors and corresponding normal samples and LIHC groups with various clinical features were analyzed, respectively. Next, the relationship between MPV17 expression and LIHC survival was analyzed and verified by AUC curves. Besides, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for LIHC were screened from TCGA and then analyzed by GO and KEGG. Then, MPV17 was analyzed by prognostic model, Cox analysis, predictive nomogram, pathway correlation, and immunoassay. Finally, the functions of MPV17 were determined by CCK-8 and Tranwell assays. Results. In most tumors, MPV17 expression was higher than that in the normal group, and it was related to LIHC clinical features. In the LIHC survival analysis, highly expressed MPV17 was associated with a poor prognosis. Besides, 314 upregulated and 193 downregulated DEGs are mainly involved in the TNF signaling pathway and tyrosine metabolism. Through prognostic model, Cox analysis, and predictive nomogram, MPV17 had the prognostic value for LIHC. Gene-pathway correlation analysis showed that MPV17 had the strongest correlation with the G2M_checkpoint pathway. In an immunoassay, MPV17 had a strong correlation with many immune cells. Functional assays showed that MPV17 reduction in LIHC cells could inhibit cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Conclusion. MPV17, as a tumor promoter, could be a new biomarker for LIHC diagnosis and prognosis and probably shed new light on the exploration of LIHC therapies.