Multi-omics analysis of BTF3L4 as a prognostic and immune biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma.

[BACKGROUND] Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits notable characteristics, encompassing frequent recurrence, weak immunotherapeutic outcomes and unfavorable prognosis. BTF3L4 has been identified as a critical factor in the progression of various malignancies. However, its specific role in HCC remains to be elucidated. This investigation sought to examine BTF3L4 levels in HCC and BTF3L4's connection with clinical prognosis and immune infiltration.

[METHODS] We performed an extensive multi-omics evaluation in the course of our research. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to assess BTF3L4 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in HCC. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was utilized to examine BTF3L4 protein expression and to explore its correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied to determine BTF3L4's impact on patient outcomes.

[RESULTS] Our analysis revealed markedly elevated levels of both BTF3L4 mRNA and protein in HCC tissues. BTF3L4 protein abundance emerged as an independent predictor of reduced survival in patients with HCC. Furthermore, elevated BTF3L4 protein expression was positively associated with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression and markedly negatively correlated with CD4 T cells and CD66b neutrophils in HCC tissues.

[CONCLUSIONS] This evidence indicates that BTF3L4 functions as a predictive indicator and is a potential candidate for HCC immunotherapy.