Identification of RAS-like Oncoprotein B (RALB) As a Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Overview

Journal Am J Transl Res

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Sep 12

PMID 39262725

Authors

Zi-Yuan Zhou

Lei Liu

Xiao-Meng Song

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background/purpose: The RAS superfamily oncogenes play significant roles in various types of malignant tumors. However, little is known about the role of RAS-like oncoprotein B (RALB) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study evaluated whether RALB can be a prognostic and therapeutic target for HNSCC.

Materials And Methods: A total of 504 HNSCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were segregated into two groups: RALB-high and RALB-low. The clinical significance of RALB expression in HNSCC patients was investigated. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed in HN-1 and HN-5 cells by silencing RALB using siRNA. Gene enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were also performed.

Results: RALB expression was elevated in HNSCC tissues compared with normal tissues and was an independent risk factor associated with poor prognosis. A nomogram including the RALB expression level was established to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients and showed highest sensitivity and benefit in predicting the three-year survival. The inhibition of RALB expression effectively impeded the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSCC cells. Importantly, RALB levels were significantly correlated with T cell-mediated immune responses, especially in human papillomavirus-positive HNSCC samples.

Conclusion: This study identified RALB as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for HNSCC, and provided insight into the relationship between RALB and revealed an innovative strategy for HNSCC immunotherapy.

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