Title:Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis Genes and Identification of Cuproptosis
Subtypes in Breast Cancer
Volume: 26
Issue: 8
Author(s): Jialin Li, Lei Li*, Yi Dong, Bin Zhong and Wei Yin
Affiliation:
- Tianyou Hospital of Wuhan
University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
Keywords:
Cuproptosis, BRCA, subtypes, ICI treatment, cell death, copper-induced death.
Abstract:
Background: Copper-induced death (cuproptosis) is copper-dependent regulated cell
death, which is different from known death mechanisms and is dependent on mitochondrial respiration.
However, its effect on breast cancer (BRCA) is unclear.
Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the important clinical significance of cuproptosis
genes and to provide a new idea for guiding the personalized immunotherapy strategy of BRCA
patients.
Materials and Methods: We collected cuproptosis genes from published work. The gene alteration,
differential expression, and prognostic value of cuproptosis genes were explored in BRCA
based on TCGA database. We identified two subtypes (clusters A and B) by performing unsupervised
clustering. The difference between two clusters was deeply explored, including clinical features,
differential expressed genes (DEGs), pathways, and immune cell infiltration. Based on the
DEGs between two clusters, a cuproptosis score was constructed and its predictive capability for
overall survival of BRCA patients was validated.
Results and Discussion: Patients with high cuproptosis score have worse survival status, with an
increased infiltration level of most immune cells. Further analysis suggested that BRCA patients
with high cuproptosis score may be sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment.
Conclusion: Our findings may improve our understanding of cuproptosis in BRCA and may distinguish
patients suitable for ICI treatment.