Integrative analyses reveal biological function and prognostic role of m7G methylation regulators in high-grade glioma.

ABSTRACT

Based on 29 m7G regulators, glioma patients were categorized into three groups using data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Distinct characteristics were observed in immune cell infiltration, functional enrichment, and clinical prognosis for every glioma subtype. Analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) confirmed the distinction among the three m7G clusters. A predictive tool for overall survival (OS) in high-grade glioma patients was developed and confirmed, consisting of 13 m7G regulators forming a prognostic signature. Elevated m7G levels were found to be associated with increased tumor mutation burden and immune activation, indicating a tumor microenvironment characterized by inflammation and a lower overall survival rate. In contrast, reduced m7G scores were linked to a deficiency in immune infiltration, a low burden of mutations, and a non-inflamed phenotype, suggesting a more positive clinical outlook. Additionally, the m7G risk scores were found to impact chemotherapy sensitivity. The m7G predictive pattern shows potential as a marker for the overall survival of patients with high-grade glioma. By significantly improving our comprehension of the functional role of m7G regulators in the advancement of glioma and their impact on clinical results, this study offers valuable perspectives for precision therapy in the management of high-grade glioma.