Exploring DNA topoisomerase II alpha in adrenocortical carcinoma through multi-omics analysis: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.

Abstract

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but aggressive cancer. Recent studies identified DNA Topoisomerase II Alpha (TOP2A) as a potential biomarker for ACC, which can provide new avenues for targeted therapy and improve clinical outcomes. This study aims to elucidate the role of TOP2A in ACC by exploring its prognostic value and identifying inhibitors for ACC therapy. Utilizing RNA sequencing data, mutation data, and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-ACC) and additional datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), differential expression and prognostic analyses are conducted to assess the significance of TOP2A in ACC. Immunohistochemistry and cell assays, including cell viability, colony formation, and transwell assays, are conducted to validate the oncogenic effects of TOP2A. The "IOBR" R package is used to examine the relationship between TOP2A expression and CD8 ⁺ T-cell infiltration. The CMap platform is used to identify potential TOP2A inhibitors. In vivo assays verify the therapeutic effect of TOP2A inhibitors on ACC. Our findings indicate that TOP2A is significantly overexpressed in ACC and is associated with poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry and cell assays confirm the oncogenic role of TOP2A. Furthermore, distinct gene expression patterns related to different TOP2A expression levels are identified, influencing the response to immunotherapy. Potential inhibitors targeting TOP2A are discovered, and the therapeutic effects of resminostat and etoposide are confirmed via in vivo assays, suggesting new therapeutic strategies for ACC treatment. In conclusion, TOP2A serves as a crucial biomarker in ACC and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and a diminished immune response. The identification of potential inhibitors against TOP2A opens new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for ACC patients.