CBX3 is a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with ATR Activation and Immune Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Chromobox protein homolog (CBX) family members play important roles in the progression and prognosis of many cancers. However, their functional role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains largely unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the expression and functions of CBX family members using The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Most CBX family members were found to be differentially expressed in various tumors, including HNSCC, compared to normal tissues. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that expression is an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC patients. A nomogram based on expression was constructed for use as a diagnostic indicator for HNSCC patients. We also used qPCR to validate the expression of .

RESULTS

Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that CBX3 participates in ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related protein kinase (ATR) activation and tumor progression. Analysis of immune infiltration indicated that expression is negatively correlated with mast cells, DCs, immature DCs, and neutrophils.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that high expression predicts poor prognosis in HNSCC and that CBX3 may act as an oncoprotein by activating ATR and affecting immune infiltration.