Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes. However, no systematic studies on the expression and functions of CRBN in solid tumors have been conducted to date. Here, we analyzed CRBN expression and its clinical value using several bioinformatic databases. CRBN mRNA expression was downregulated in various cancer types compared to normal cells. Survival analysis demonstrated that overall survival was significantly positively correlated with CRBN expression in some cancer types including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). CRBN expression was downregulated regardless of clinicopathological characteristics in LUAD and KIRC. Analysis of genes that are commonly correlated with CRBN expression among KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM samples elucidated the potential CRBN-associated mechanisms of cancer progression. Overall, this study revealed the prognostic value of CRBN and its potential associated mechanisms, which may facilitate the development of anti-cancer therapeutic agents.