Identification of Versican as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Uveal Melanoma

To assess the role of versican (VCAN) in uveal melanoma (UVM) from its expression, prognostic value and biological function. The general profile of VCAN mRNA and protein expression levels were obtained using bioinformatic approaches. Then, UALCAN database was adopted to examine the association of VCAN mRNA expression and clinical factors in UVM. The prognostic value of VCAN was assessed by UALCAN, GEPIA and TISIDB databases. Besides, Cox regression analysis was performed to predict the independent prognostic factors for UVM. Further, functional enrichment analysis was conducted to reveal the biological functions of VCAN involved in UVM through DAVID, Cytoscape and GSEA analyses. VCAN showed a relative low expression level in normal eye but was highly expressed in UVM cell lines. Tumor histology and stage in UVM were significantly related to VCAN mRNA expression (all P