UBTD1: a prognostic and immune biomarker validated in thyroid cancer and pan-cancer analysis

Abstract

Background Ubiquitin domain containing 1 (UBTD1), a molecule intimately associated with tumorigenesis and progression, is seen as a possible cancer therapy target. However, its diagnostic value, prognostic significance, and immunomodulatory functions of UBTD1 across cancers and in thyroid carcinoma have not yet been fully elucidated. Methods Based on TCGA and other public database resources, this research carried out an extensive examination of the expression levels, prognostic potential, diagnostic value, epigenetic modifications, methylation status, immune significance, and pathway regulation of UBTD1, to explore its biological function in diverse malignant tumors. In addition, through in vitro experiments such as CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and oris assays, as well as in vivo models of nude mouse xenografts, we validated the expression and regulatory function of UBTD1 in thyroid cancer. Results The study indicates that the overexpression of UBTD1 is prevalent in many cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. UBTD1 is effective to a moderate or strong degree in identifying cancerous tissues compared to healthy ones, and it serves as an independent prognostic factor in ACC, LIHC, READ, and THCA patients. UBTD1 mutations are prevalent across various malignancies and correlate with patient prognosis. In the majority of malignancies, UBTD1 expression is positively associated with m6A methylation, showing increased methylation in its promoter region. Moreover, experiments demonstrated that UBTD1 overexpression reduces THCA cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas its under expression exhibited the opposite biological effects. Conclusion UBTD1 can be used as a biomarker of important clinical value in pan-cancer. Concurrently, this research clarified the expression and role of UBTD1 in THCA. These findings open new avenues for developing tumor treatments targeting UBTD1.