Potential Cancer Biomarkers: Mitotic Intra-S DNA Damage Checkpoint Genes

BACKGROUNDThe mitotic intra-S DNA damage checkpoint signaling gene set is potentially involved in cancers where the genes play an important role. 17 total genes are involved in this gene set: ATF2, CHEK2, EME1, EME2, FANCD2, HUS1, HUS1B, MDC1, MRE11, MSH2, MUS81, NEK11, RAD17, RAD9A, RAD9B, TIPIN, XPC. The aim of this study is to complete a pan-cancer profile of each gene in the mitotic intra-S DNA damage checkpoint signaling gene set in order to determine potential diagnostic and prognostic purposes, while also determining how they could be used in a clinical setting as therapeutic targets to help patients. METHODSMultiomic data was acquired for the 17 genes; over 9000 samples of 33 types of cancer were analyzed to create pan-cancer profiles of CNV, mRNA expression, and pathway analysis. RESULTSThe CNVs of some of these genes are associated with the survival of MESO, PCPG, BLCA, SKCM, LUAD, HNSC, LUSC, OV, and BRCA could be affected by the mRNA expression of the genes which can involve regulation of copy number. CONCLUSIONWith sufficient investigation, the genes involved in mitotic intra-S DNA damage checkpoint signaling may contribute to the development of cancer and may be used as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and diagnosis. To prove their clinical use for diagnosis and prognosis, however, and to create workable applications in clinical settings, further work is required. However, these pan-cancer profiles provide a more comprehensive knowledge of the mitotic intra-S DNA damage checkpoint signaling gene set in cancer as well as valuable information for future reference.