The prognostic role of PSMD14 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose PSMD14 is an essential protein for proteasomal degradation. Inhibition of this protein disrupts homeostasis and inhibits cancer cell viability. Overexpression of PSMD14 was associated with advanced cancer characteristics and a worse prognosis in various carcinomas. This study aimed to analyze PSMD14 copy number variation, mRNA and protein expression in HNSCC, and its role as an independent prognostic biomarker. Methods PSMD14 mRNA expression and copy number variations were analyzed in “The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)” in 510 patients. Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in a second cohort including 115 patients. PSMD14 levels were analyzed for correlation with clinicopathological data, overall and disease-free survival. Results PSMD14 mRNA expression and copy number variation were high in 44 and 50% of patients, respectively. Protein expression of PSMD14 was high in 56%. In both cohorts, high PSMD14 levels were associated with advanced staging. High PSMD14 mRNA expression was additionally associated with a worse prognosis in univariable analysis. However, after correction for possible confounders, PSMD14 mRNA was not an independent prognostic marker. Conclusion PSMD14 is commonly expressed in HNSCC patients and associated with advanced stages. High expression of PSMD14 mRNA was associated with a worse outcome. However, this may be a result of the association of PSMD14 with poor prognosticators. Based on our study, further evaluation of PSMD14 as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target is warranted.