Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognostic value for SNRP members in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background Heterogeneity and epigenetic modifications lead to differences among treatment strategies, management and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinomas. The family of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptides (SNRPs) plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the expression profile and prognostic impact of these family members are not clear. Here, we discuss the expression levels and prognosis of SNRPs. family members

Methods We compared the transcript levels of each SNRPs member in pan-cancerous tissues by ONCOMINE and further analyzed the expression levels and tumor staging of these markers in hepatocellular carcinoma using UALCAN and GEPIA online databases, while assessing the prognostic value of their mRNA expression and performing functional enrichment analysis by Metascape software using Kaplan–Meier plotter database.

Results These results showed that mRNA levels of each member of SNRP (B, D1, D2, D3, E, F, G) were significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma compared to normal tissue and were more highly expressed in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. mRNA expression of SNRPB, SNRPD1 and SNRPG was associated with poorer overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS), which was considered to be statistically significant.

Conclusion We systematically analyzed the mRNA expression and prognostic significance of each member of SNRPs in HCC and demonstrated the correlation, interaction network, gene alteration and functional enrichment among SNRPs members. Our data suggest that SNRPs members as oncogenes may be a potential indicator of HCC.