Identification of clinical, prognostic and immunological impact of replication factor C subunit 5 (RFC5) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to identify and validate replication factor C subunit 5 (RFC5) mRNA and protein expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, analyzing its association with clinicopathological features, prognosis, and immune signatures.

Methods

The study primarily relied on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA-HNSCC) dataset and additionally recruited 32 OSCC patients, a common type of cancer in HNSCC. RFC5 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and adjacent normal tissues using methods such as real time-qPCR and Western blot. The implications of RFC5 expression in clinicopathological features, survival, immune regulation, and functional enrichment analysis were analyzed using the TCGA-HNSCC dataset.

Results

RFC5 mRNA and protein are significantly altered in multiple cancers, particularly upregulated in HNSCC/OSCC. RFC5 mRNA expression is associated with cancer stage, grade, nodal metastasis, HPV status, and poor prognosis, suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Protein network analysis identified an interaction between RFC5 and various well-known oncoproteins involved in DNA replication and cancer pathways. Functional enrichment analysis showed a strong association between RFC5 and HNSCC development and progression.

Conclusions

RFC5 is a key player in HNSCC, and its overexpression is associated with aggressive clinical features and poor outcomes. Its role in oncogenic pathways and interaction with key proteins suggest its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.