BACKGROUND

The cell cycle, a critical and intricate biological process, comprises various phases, and its dysregulation plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The exploration of cell cycle-based molecular subtypes across pan-cancers, along with the application of synthetic lethality concepts, holds promise for advancing cancer therapies.

METHODS

A pan-cancer analysis was conducted to assess the cell cycle serves as a reliable signature for classifying molecular subtypes and to understand the potential clinical application of genes as potential drug targets based on synthetic lethality.

RESULTS

Molecular subtypes derived from cell cycle features in certain cancers, particularly kidney-related malignancies, exhibited distinct immune characteristics. Synthetic lethal interactions within the cell cycle pathway were common, with significant genetic interactions further identifying potential drug targets through the exploitation of genetic relationships with key driver genes. Additionally, miRNAs and lncRNAs may influence the cell cycle through miRNA:mRNA interactions and ceRNA networks, thereby enriching the genetic interaction landscape.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the cell cycle pathway could serve as a promising molecular subtype signature to enhance cancer prognostication and offer potential targets for anticancer drug development through synthetic lethality.