Integrated GMPS and RAMP3 as a signature to predict prognosis and immune heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly fatal malignant worldwide. As different expression levels of specific genes can lead to different HCC outcomes, we aimed to develop a gene signature capable of predicting HCC prognosis.

Methods: In this study, transcriptomic sequencing and relevant clinical data were extracted from public platforms. The guanine monophosphate synthase (GMPS)|receptor activity-modifying protein 3 (RAMP3) gene pair was developed based on the relative values of gene expression levels. Nomograms were developed using R software. Immune status was assessed through single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. GMPS knockdown was achieved through siRNA transfection. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR, apoptosis assays, and cell proliferation were performed to verify the function of GMPS|RAMP3 in HCC cells.

Results: Here, a gene pair containing GMPS and RAMP3 was successfully constructed. We demonstrated that the GMPS|RAMP3 gene pair was an independent predictor with strong prognostic prediction power, based on which a nomogram was established. Functional analysis revealed that the enrichment of cell cycle-related pathways and immune status differed considerably between the two groups, with cell cycle-related genes highly expressed in the high GMPS|RAMP3 value group. Finally, cell experiments indicated that GMPS knockdown significantly repressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to gemcitabine.

Conclusions: The gene pair GMPS|RAMP3 is a novel prognostic predictor of HCC, providing a promising approach to the treatment and assessment of immune heterogeneity in HCC.