Identification of a Novel Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition-Related Gene Signature for Endometrial Carcinoma Prognosis

Abstract

(1) Background: Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent cause of gynecological malignant tumor worldwide. The prognosis of endometrial carcinoma patients with distant metastasis is poor. (2) Method: The RNA-Seq expression profile and corresponding clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. To predict patients’ overall survival, a 9 EMT-related genes prognosis risk model was built by machine learning algorithm and multivariate Cox regression. Expressions of nine genes were verified by RT-qPCR. Responses to immune checkpoint blockades therapy and drug sensitivity were separately evaluated in different group of patients with the risk model. (3) Endometrial carcinoma patients were assigned to the high- and low-risk groups according to the signature, and poorer overall survival and disease-free survival were showed in the high-risk group. This EMT-related gene signature was also significantly correlated with tumor purity and immune cell infiltration. In addition, eight chemical compounds, which may benefit the high-risk group, were screened out. (4) Conclusions: We identified a novel EMT-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of EC patients. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets and compounds for personalized treatment. This may facilitate decision making during endometrial carcinoma treatment.