Exploration to Identify Radiosensitive Genes in PD-L1 Expression and PD-1 check Point Pathway in Cancer

Abstract PurposeTo identify radiosensitive genes in PD-L1 expression and PD-1 check point pathway in cancer.Methods and MaterialsGene expression datasets and information were downloaded from TCGA. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression based on AIC was performed using stacking multiple interpolation data to identify radiosensitive (RS) genes.ResultsAmong the 74 PD-1/PD-L1 pathway genes, we identified 10 RS genes in BRCA dataset, 11 RS genes in STAD dataset and 13 RS genes in HNSC dataset. These genes could be thought as independent factors and biomarkers to identify the sensitivity of cancer patients to radiotherapy. Gene CD274 was the common RS gene in the three tumor datasets. And gene ZAP70 was verified as a RS gene in the external validation. There were moderate co-expression relationships and interactions in these genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that most of these genes were related to T cells. ConclusionsOur study identified potential radiosensitive biomarkers of several main cancer types in an important tumor immune checkpoint pathway. New types of RS genes were identified based on the expanded definition to radiosensitive genes. Different types of tumors may share same RS genes due to the common carcinogenic mechanisms.