Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still a menace to public wellbeing globally. However, the underlying molecular events influencing the carcinogenesis and prognosis of HNSCC are poorly known.
Gene expression profiles of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC dataset and GSE37991 were downloaded from the TCGA database and gene expression omnibus, respectively. The common differentially expressed metabolic enzymes (DEMEs) between HNSCC tissues and normal controls were screened out. Then a DEME-based molecular signature and a clinically practical nomogram model were constructed and validated.
A total of 23 commonly upregulated and 9 commonly downregulated DEMEs were identified in TCGA HNSCC and GSE37991. Gene ontology analyses of the common DEMEs revealed that alpha-amino acid metabolic process, glycosyl compound metabolic process, and cellular amino acid metabolic process were enriched. Based on the TCGA HNSCC cohort, we have built up a robust DEME-based prognostic signature including
Our study has successfully developed a robust DEME-based signature for predicting the prognosis of HNSCC. Moreover, the nomogram model might provide useful guidance for the precision treatment of HNSCC.