The prognostic value and biological functions of HFM1 in breast cancer

Abstract

Aim: HFM1 has been reported to be associated with meiosis and ovarian insufficiency, but its role in tumors remains unknown. This study aims to explore the functions and potential mechanism of HFM1 in breast cancer. Methods: Several databases, protein–protein interactions, gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for bioinformatic analysis. Tissue microarrays and cell viability assays were used to detect the expression of HFM1 and tamoxifen resistance, respectively. Results: HFM1 was downregulated in breast cancer with poor prognosis and may modulate DNA damage repair pathways and immune infiltration. Moreover, HFM1 may mediate ovarian steroidogenesis and participate in tamoxifen resistance of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Conclusion: We presented a first study on biological functions and potential mechanisms of HFM1 in cancers.