Transcriptomic characterization of cancer-testis antigens identifies MAGEA3 as a driver of tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Amanda J. Craig, Teresa Garcia-Lezana, Marina Ruiz de Galarreta, Carlos Villacorta-Martin, Edgar G. Kozlova, Sebastiao N. Martins-Filho, Johann von Felden, Mehmet Eren Ahsen, Erin Bresnahan, Gabriela Hernandez-Meza, Ismail Labgaa, Delia D’Avola, Myron Schwartz, Josep M. Llovet, Daniela Sia, Swan Thung, Bojan Losic, Amaia Lujambio, Augusto Villanueva

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are an extensive gene family with a unique expression pattern restricted to germ cells, but aberrantly reactivated in cancer tissues. Studies indicate that the expression (or re-expression) of CTAs within the MAGE-A family is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no systematic characterization has yet been reported. The aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive profile of CTA de-regulation in HCC and experimentally evaluate the role of MAGEA3 as a driver of HCC progression. The transcriptomic analysis of 44 multi-regionally sampled HCCs from 12 patients identified high intra-tumor heterogeneity of CTAs. In addition, a subset of CTAs was significantly overexpressed in histologically poorly differentiated regions. Further analysis of CTAs in larger patient cohorts revealed high CTA expression related to worse overall survival and several.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere1009589
JournalPLoS genetics
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 24 2021
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Cancer Research

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