Integrative Identification of Angiogenesis-Related Genes for Predicting Immune Interaction and Prognosis in LUAD

Abstract

Background Tumor microenvironment is characterized by angiogenesis. A tumor's microenvironment (TME) and its interactions with immunotherapy influence immunotherapy's effectiveness. In the study of Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), there is currently no clear link between multiple angiogenesis genes and clinical results, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy. Methods Clinical information and corresponding Gene expression were downloaded from the GEO and TCGA. Thirty-six angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) were comprehensively evaluated, and correlations between angiogenesis and patterns of transcription and prognosis. The immune difference shows different functions and Infiltration in the sub-cluster. KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses were conducted based on distinct clusters. ARG_score was established to quantify the angiogenic subtype of each patient. Finally, we assessed their value in predicting prognosis and treatment response in the different risk groups. Results The mutations of ARGs in LUAD specimens were discussed at the genetic level. We identified two distinct molecular subtypes and observed that ARG mutations were associated with clinical characteristics, prognosis, and TME of patients. Next, an ARG_score predicting overall survival (OS) was established, confirming its robust predictive power for patients with LUAD. Moreover, a highly reliable Nomogram was created. Low risk score demonstrated better OS. In addition, the ARG_score was shown to be significantly correlated with cancer stem cell index and drug sensitivity. FSTL3 is considered potential target gene. Conclusion In general, we were the first to characterize the prognosis of ARGs in patients with LUAD. Angiogenesis may play an essential role in the development of LUAD. This characterization may assist in clarifying the features of angiogenesis in TME and enable the exploration of more cost-effective immunotherapy strategies.