Prognostic and immunotherapeutic response prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma: role of non-histone acetylation/deacetylation scoring.

BACKGROUND: Post-translational modification is crucial, with acetylation and deacetylation enzymes playing important roles. Their roles in liver cancer, however, remain unclear. METHODS: In this study, a KAT + KDAC score was developed to assess the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in liver cancer patients. The association of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 with patient prognosis was analyzed, and the PPI network was constructed. The correlation between the score and P53 mutation status, stage, and TNM staging was also investigated. Additionally, the response to chemotherapy was evaluated. The TIDE score was also assessed. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 are highly associated with patient prognosis and are centrally located in the PPI network. Patients with high KAT + KDAC scores had a better prognosis, and the score correlated with P53 mutation status, stage, and TNM staging. Notably, patients with low KAT + KDAC scores demonstrate resistance to cisplatin and gemcitabine, and have a lower TIDE score. Moreover, the KAT + KDAC score accurately predicted patient response to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: The KAT + KDAC modification pattern is critical in the initiation and progression of liver cancer. This score can be used to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy response. Future studies are needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.