A Novel Risk Signature with Seven Pyroptosis-Related Genes for Prognosis Prediction in Glioma

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that pyroptosis is closely linked to the occurrence and progression of cancer. However, the expression and prognostic role of most pyroptosis-related genes in glioma have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we explored the expression profiles and prognostic value of 33 pyroptosis-related genes in glioma. LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis was then used to construct a risk signature to predict glioma outcomes in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Furthermore, we constructed a nomogram based on independent prognostic factors and performed external validation. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the potential biological role of the pyroptosis-related signature in glioma. The expression of most pyroptosis-related genes (31/33) was significantly different between normal brain and glioma tissue. By univariate Cox regression analysis, 24 genes were found to be significantly correlated with glioma overall survival. Subsequently, we constructed a 7-gene risk signature in The Cancer Genome Atlas training cohort, which demonstrated good performance in predicting glioma survival through multidatabase validation. Moreover, a nomogram was established based on independent prognostic factors (age, World Health Organization grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase status, and signature) and confirmed to be more effective and accurate through internal evaluation and external validation. Finally, functional enrichment analyses suggested that the signature might be related to invasion ability and immune function. The risk signature based on 7 pyroptosis-related genes can effectively predict the clinical outcomes of patients with glioma. Our study provides novel insights for further understanding the association between pyroptosis-related genes and glioma prognosis.