The integrated single-cell analysis developed a lactate metabolism-driven signature to improve outcomes and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that lactate metabolism (LM) is crucial for the development of cancer. Using integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we built predictive models based on LM-related genes (LMRGs) to propose novel targets for the treatment of LUAD patients. METHODS: The most significant genes for LM were identified through the use of the AUCell algorithm and correlation analysis in conjunction with scRNA-seq analysis. To build risk models with superior predictive performance, cox- and lasso-regression were utilized, and these models were validated on multiple external independent datasets. We then explored the differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, mutation landscape, and enriched pathways between different risk groups. Finally, cell experiments were conducted to verify the impact of AHSA1 in LUAD. RESULTS: A total of 590 genes that regulate LM were identified for subsequent analysis. Using cox- and lasso-regression, we constructed a 5-gene signature that can predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. Notably, we observed differences in TME, immune cell infiltration levels, immune checkpoint levels, and mutation landscapes between different risk groups, which could have important implications for the clinical treatment of LUAD patients. CONCLUSION: Based on LMRGs, we constructed a prognostic model that can predict the efficacy of immunotherapy and provide a new direction for treating LUAD.