Constructing and validating pan-apoptosis-related features for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The study aimed to develop a prognostic model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) based on pan-apoptosis-related genes, a novel inflammatory programmed cell death form intricately linked to HCC progression. Utilizing transcriptome sequencing and clinical data from the TCGA database, we identified six crucial pan-apoptosis-related genes through statistical analyses. These genes were then employed to construct a prognostic model that accurately predicts overall survival rates in HCC patients. Our findings revealed a strong correlation between the model's risk scores and tumor microenvironment (TME) status, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint expression. Furthermore, we screened for drugs with potential therapeutic efficacy in high- and low-risk HCC groups. Notably, PPP2R5B gene knockdown was found to inhibit HCC cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity, suggesting its role in HCC progression. In conclusion, this study presents a novel pan-apoptosis gene-based prognostic risk model for HCC, providing valuable insights into patient TME status and guiding the selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare no competing interests. We maintain objectivity and unbiasedness in our analysis and reporting of results, and no external influences have been exerted on the research process or outcomes.
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