Identification and validation of a seven cuproptosis-associated lncRNA signature to predict the prognosis of endometrial cancer

Objective: Endometrial Cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in women. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential diagnostic biomarkers in patients with EC.

Methods: We obtained clinical information and transcriptome data for 552 patients with EC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs were obtained through Pearson's correlation analysis. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were applied and a signature predicting overall survival (OS) among patients with EC was constructed. We also analyzed the tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity. The results were validated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine and wound-healing assays.

Results: Seven cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs related to prognosis were screened out and a signature was constructed. OS was significantly superior in the low-risk group. In addition, patients in the low-risk group had more CD8+ T cell infiltration, a stronger type II interferon response, and greater cisplatin sensitivity. Expression levels of some of the lncRNAs were significantly increased by Cuproptosis. Furthermore, silencing of lncRNA AC084117.1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of EC cells.

Conclusion: We constructed a seven cuproptosis-associated lncRNA signature to predict the prognosis of patients with EC with good predictive power.

Endometrial cancer; cuproptosis; immune microenvironment; long non-coding RNA; prognosis prediction; survival.