Cuproptosis- and m6A-Related lncRNAs for Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known for its poor prognosis, but the markers for prognosis still remain unclear to date. This study focused on the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that linked with cuproptosis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in HCC, using data from the The Cancer Genetic Atlas (TCGA) database. The identified lncRNAs were used to develop a risk assessment model through specific types of statistical analysis. This model helped explore how different risk profiles affect the tumor’s genetic mutation load and the surrounding immune environment. Five particular lncRNAs were found to be significant in survival rates, and certain genes (TP53 and CTNNB1) were frequently mutated in high-risk patients. Interestingly, high-risk patients with a low genetic mutation load had the poorest survival rates, while low-risk patients with a high mutation load had the best survival rates. Furthermore, high-risk cases showed increased activity in certain cellular pathways, such as the cell cycle and glucose production. This study resulted in a promising lncRNA model that could potentially help in assessing and managing HCC. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. ABSTRACT: Cuproptosis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have potential as prognostic predictors in cancer patients, but their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. This study aimed to screen a total of 375 HCC samples were retrieved from the TCGA database, and lncRNAs related to cuproptosis and m6A were obtained through correlation analysis. To construct a risk assessment model, univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression were employed. Analyze the regulatory effect of relevant risk assessment models on tumor mutation load (TMB) and immune microenvironment. A total of five lncRNAs (AC007405.3, AL031985.3, TMCC1-AS1, MIR210HG, TMEM220-AS1) with independent overall survival-related risk models were obtained by LASSO survival regression. TP53 and CTNNB1 were the three genes found to have the most mutations in high-risk group patients. The high-risk group with low TMB had the worst survival, whereas the low-risk group with high TMB had the best survival. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the high-risk group was enriched with cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, cell senescence, and glycolysis/glucose production pathways. We constructed a reliable cuproptosis- and m6A-related lncRNA model for the prognosis of HCC. The model may provide new insights into managing HCC patients, but further research is needed to validate it.