Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in human tumor cells exerts considerable influence on crucial processes like tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immune response. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of m6A-related genes on the prognosis and immune microenvironment (IME) of colonic adenocarcinoma (COAD). Public data sources, predictive algorithms identified m6A-related genes and differential gene expression in COAD. Subtype analysis and assessment of immune cell infiltration patterns were performed using consensus clustering and the CIBERSORT algorithm. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis determined gene signatures. Independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. The findings indicate that 206 prognostic m6A-related DEGs contribute to the m6A regulatory network along with 8 m6A enzymes. Based on the expression levels of these genes, 438 COAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were classified into 3 distinct subtypes, showing marked differences in survival prognosis, clinical characteristics, and immune cell infiltration profiles. Subtype 3 and 2 displayed reduced levels of infiltrating regulatory T cells and M0 macrophages, respectively. A six-gene signature, encompassing KLC3, SLC6A15, AQP7 JMJD7, HOXC6, and CLDN9, was identified and incorporated into a prognostic model. Validation across TCGA and GSE39582 datasets exhibited robust predictive specificity and sensitivity in determining the survival status of COAD patients. Additionally, independent prognostic factors were recognized, and a nomogram model was developed as a prognostic predictor for COAD. In conclusion, the six target genes governed by m6A mechanisms offer substantial potential in predicting COAD outcomes and provide insights into the unique IME profiles associated with various COAD subtypes.
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