Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature to predict prognosis in bladder urothelial carcinoma

Abstract

Background Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) have been recently discovered to regulate the occurrence and development of various tumors by controlling cuproptosis, a novel type of copper ion-dependent cell death. Although cuproptosis is mediated by lipoylated tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins, the relationship between cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (crlncRNAs) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) and clinical outcomes, tumor microenvironment (TME) modification, and immunotherapy remains unknown. In this paper, we tried to discover the importance of lncRNAs for BLCA. Methods The BLCA-related lncRNAs and clinical data were first obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). CRGs were obtained through Coexpression, Cox regression and Lasso regression. Besides, a prognosis model was established for verification. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, gene ontology (GO) analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), half-maximal inhibitory concentration prediction (IC50), immune status and drug susceptibility analysis were carried out. Results We identified 277 crlncRNAs and 16 survival-related lncRNAs. According to the 8-crlncRNA risk model, patients could be divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Progression-Free-Survival (PFS), independent prognostic analysis, concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and nomogram all confirmed the excellent predictive capability of the 8-lncRNA risk model for BLCA. During gene mutation burden survival analysis, noticeable differences were observed in high- and low-risk patients. We also found that the two groups of patients might respond differently to immune targets and anti-tumor drugs. Conclusion The nomogram with 8-lncRNA may help guide treatment of BLCA. More clinical studies are necessary to verify the nomogram.