m5C RNA methyltransferase-related gene NSUN4 stimulates malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and can be a prognostic marker

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer with relatively high mortality, yet little attention has been devoted for related prognostic biomarkers. This study analyzed differential expression of m5C RNA methyltransferase-related genes in normal samples and tumors samples in TCGA-LIHC using Wilcoxon test. K-means consensus clustering analysis was implemented to subdivide samples. Independent prognostic factors were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the screened independent prognostic factor using GSEA tools. qPCR was conducted to test mRNA expression of key m5C RNA methyltransferase-related genes in tissues and cells. There were 7 m5C RNA methyltransferase-related genes (NOP2, NSUN4, etc.) differentially expressed in HCC tumor tissues. HCC samples were classified into 3 subgroups through clustering analysis according to the expression mode of m5C RNA methyltransferase-related genes. It was also discovered that patients in different subgroups presented significant differences in survival rate and distribution of grade. Additionally, NOP2, NSUN4 and NSUN5 expression notable varied in different grades. Through regression analyses combined with various clinical pathological factors, it was displayed that NSUN4 could work as an independent prognostic factor. KEGG analysis showed that NSUN4 mainly enriched in signaling pathways involved in ADHERENS JUNCTION, RNA DEGRADATION, MTOR SIGNALING PATHWAY, COMPLEMENT and COAGULATION CASCADES. As examined by qPCR, NSUN4 was conspicuously upregulated in HCC patient's tissues and cells. Altogether, our study preliminarily developed a novel biomarker that could be independently used in prognosis of HCC, which may provide a new direction for the study of related molecular mechanism or treatment regimen.