Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the aging-related gene signature was in relation to tumor immunity and stromal activation in rectal cancer, which might predict survival outcomes and immuno- and chemotherapy benefits.
Methods
Dysregulated aging-related genes were screened in rectal cancer from TCGA project. A LASSO prognostic model was conducted, and the predictive performance was evaluated and externally verified in the GEO data set. Associations of the model with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immune and stromal score, HLA and immune checkpoints, and response to chemotherapeutic agents were analyzed across rectal cancer. Biological processes underlying the model were investigated through GSVA and GSEA methods. Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced or replicative senescent stromal cells were constructed, and AGTR1 was silenced in HUVECs. After coculture with conditioned medium of HUVECs, rectal cancer cell growth and invasion were investigated.
Objective
Aging is the major risk factor for human cancers, including rectal cancer. Targeting the aging process provides broad-spectrum protection against cancers. Here, we investigate the clinical implications of aging-related genes in rectal cancer.
Results
An aging-related model was established, consisting of KL, BRCA1, CLU, and AGTR1, which can stratify high- and low-risk patients in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival, and progression-free interval. ROC and Cox regression analyses confirmed that the model was a robust and independent predictor. Furthermore, it was in relation to tumor immunity and stromal activation as well as predicted the responses to gemcitabine and sunitinib. AGTR1 knockdown ameliorated stromal cell senescence and suppressed senescent stromal cell-triggered rectal cancer progression.