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Infectious Agents and Cancer
Published in: Infectious Agents and Cancer 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Schistosomiasis | Research

A prognostic model for Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated liver hepatocellular carcinoma: strengthening the connection through initial biological experiments

Authors: Shuyan Sheng, Bangjie Chen, Ruiyao Xu, Yanxun Han, Deshen Mao, Yuerong Chen, Conghan Li, Wenzhuo Su, Xinyang Hu, Qing Zhao, Scott Lowe, Yuting Huang, Wei Shao, Yong Yao

Published in: Infectious Agents and Cancer | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Numerous studies have shown that Schistosoma japonicum infection correlates with an increased risk of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, data regarding the role of this infection in LIHC oncogenesis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection.

Methods

By examining chronic liver disease as a mediator, we identified the genes contributing to Schistosoma japonicum infection and LIHC. We selected 15 key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and random survival forest models. Consensus clustering revealed two subgroups with distinct prognoses. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression identified six prognostic DEGs, forming an Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated signature for strong prognosis prediction. This signature, which is an independent LIHC risk factor, was significantly correlated with clinical variables. Four DEGs, including BMI1, were selected based on their protein expression levels in cancerous and normal tissues. We confirmed BMI1's role in LIHC using Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse models and molecular experiments.

Results

We identified a series of DEGs that mediate schistosomiasis, the parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, and hepatocarcinogenesis, and constructed a suitable prognostic model. We analyzed the mechanisms by which these DEGs regulate disease and present the differences in prognosis between the different genotypes. Finally, we verified our findings using molecular biology experiments.

Conclusion

Bioinformatics and molecular biology analyses confirmed a relationship between schistosomiasis and liver hepatocellular cancer. Furthermore, we validated the role of a potential oncoprotein factor that may be associated with infection and carcinogenesis. These findings enhance our understanding of Schistosoma japonicum infection's role in LIHC carcinogenesis.
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Metadata
Title
A prognostic model for Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated liver hepatocellular carcinoma: strengthening the connection through initial biological experiments
Authors
Shuyan Sheng
Bangjie Chen
Ruiyao Xu
Yanxun Han
Deshen Mao
Yuerong Chen
Conghan Li
Wenzhuo Su
Xinyang Hu
Qing Zhao
Scott Lowe
Yuting Huang
Wei Shao
Yong Yao
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Infectious Agents and Cancer / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1750-9378
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13027-024-00569-4

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