Construction of a ferroptosis and hypoxia-related gene signature in cervical cancer to assess tumour immune microenvironment and predict prognosis

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of ferroptosis/hypoxia-related genes in cervical cancer to improve early management and treatment of cervical cancer.

Methods

All data were downloaded from public databases. Ferroptosis/hypoxia-related genes associated with cervical cancer prognosis were selected to construct a risk score model. The relationship between risk score and clinical features, immune microenvironment and prognosis were analysed.

Results

Risk score model was constructed based on eight signature genes. Drug prediction analysis showed that bevacizumab and cisplatin were related to vascular endothelial growth factor A. Risk score, as an independent prognostic factor of cervical cancer, had a good survival prediction effect. The two groups differed significantly in degree of immune cell infiltration, gene expression, tumour mutation burden and somatic variation.

Conclusions

We developed a novel prognostic gene signature combining ferroptosis/hypoxia-related genes, which provides new ideas for individual treatment of cervical cancer.

Plain Language Summary

Ferroptosis, hypoxia and immune regulation play important roles in cervical cancer progression. In this study, we developed a novel prognostic signature combining ferroptosis and hypoxia-related genes, which provides new ideas for individual treatment of cervical cancer patients. The risk score established by ferroptosis and hypoxia-related gene as an independent prognostic factor of cervical cancer has a good survival prediction effect. High and low risk groups showed significant differences in TIME, prognosis, biological metabolic pathway and tumour mutation burden. In addition, we found drugs associated with signature genes. In short, this study has laid a theoretical foundation for exploring the related molecular mechanisms and prognosis of cervical cancer. It also contributes to the exploration of clinical management and treatment.

Keywords:

• Cervical cancer
• ferroptosis
• hypoxia
• prognosis
• signature gene

Author contributions

Conception and design: W.H. and X.Y.; administrative support: X.Y.; provision of study materials or patients: Y.F. and Y.B.; collection and assembly of data: Q.Z. and L.X.; data analysis and interpretation: W.H. and Y.F. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Second People’s Hospital (No. 2022 216). All participants who provided samples at the real-time PCR validation were informed of the purpose of this study, and that this study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent form

The informed consent was obtained from the all participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Additional information

Funding

Not applicable.