PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4 & AIM2 GENES INVOLVED IN THE INFLAMMASOME PATHWAY IN HNSCC

Abstract

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) stands as a formidable adversary in the landscape of oncology. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted towards the inflammasome pathway, a complex signaling cascade pivotal in orchestrating innate immune responses. Among the key constituents of this pathway are the NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 genes, each playing distinct roles in regulating inflammatory processes. These genes not only serve as potential prognostic markers, offering valuable insights into the disease’s behavior, but also represent potential therapeutic targets to analyze and treat HNSCC, ultimately improving patient outcomes through targeted and personalized interventions.

Aim: The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic significance of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4 & AIM2 genes  involved in the inflammasome pathway in HNSCC.

Methods and Methodology: In the head and neck cancer dataset (HNSCC) from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Firehose Legacy, computational analysis was used to determine the protein network interactions, genetic changes, gene expression, and the survival analysis of the ZEB2 dysregulated network. For the gene with the highest incidence of genetic change, gene expression profiling and survival analysis were carried out using STRING, Oncoprint, cBioportal and UALCAN.

Results : Results showed that the negative correlation observed between gene expression profiles and survival status suggests the involvement of epigenetic factors in modulating inflammasome gene expression levels in certain HNSCC patients. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation or histone acetylation, can influence gene expression patterns, impacting the overall survival outcomes in cancer patients.

Conclusion: This study showed that consideration of these factors may be

beneficial for a high-quality education and a reduction in radiography retakes throughout undergraduate dentistry students' training periods thereby reducing radiation exposure..