Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy

Abstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major contributor to cancer mortality and exhibits high intratumoral heterogeneity. The functional role of SPATS2 in LUAD remains poorly defined. Methods We integrated transcriptomic data from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases to evaluate SPATS2 expres...

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Main Authors: Maorong Teng, Fangtao Yan, Jingping Shang, Xiaohua Sun, Yahui Wang, Jian Shen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-08-01
Series:Discover Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03179-7
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author Maorong Teng
Fangtao Yan
Jingping Shang
Xiaohua Sun
Yahui Wang
Jian Shen
author_facet Maorong Teng
Fangtao Yan
Jingping Shang
Xiaohua Sun
Yahui Wang
Jian Shen
author_sort Maorong Teng
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major contributor to cancer mortality and exhibits high intratumoral heterogeneity. The functional role of SPATS2 in LUAD remains poorly defined. Methods We integrated transcriptomic data from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases to evaluate SPATS2 expression patterns and their associations with clinical features and prognosis in LUAD. Genomic analyses were performed to assess copy number variations, mutation correlations, and tumor mutation burden (TMB). Functional enrichment analyses (GSEA, GSVA) and immune infiltration profiling (CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, TIP) were conducted to explore the biological and immunological roles of SPATS2. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the TISCH database (GSE131907) were used to determine SPATS2 expression in tumor microenvironment (TME) cell subsets. In vitro experiments using siRNA-SPATS2 in A549 cells were performed to assess mitochondrial function. Results SPATS2 expression was significantly elevated in LUAD tissues and correlated with copy number amplification and increased TMB. High SPATS2 levels were associated with advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and worse overall survival. Functional analyses revealed enrichment in cell cycle, DNA repair, and metabolic pathways. Immune profiling indicated that SPATS2 modulates immune infiltration, with higher expression linked to increased infiltration of macrophages and Tregs, and reduced stromal and immune scores. Single-cell data showed SPATS2 expression was highest in endothelial and plasma cells. Knockdown of SPATS2 impaired mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced ROS levels in A549 cells. Conclusion SPATS2 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD. Its role in tumor progression, immune remodeling, and mitochondrial function warrants further investigation in personalized therapy development.
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spelling doaj-art-4590b1a564354d7c8cfaa9be978b7f862025-08-20T03:43:27ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-08-0116111710.1007/s12672-025-03179-7Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapyMaorong Teng0Fangtao Yan1Jingping Shang2Xiaohua Sun3Yahui Wang4Jian Shen5Department of General Practice, the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medcine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People’s Hospital of ChengduDepartment of General Practice, the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityDepartment of General Practice, the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityDepartment of General Practice, the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medcine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People’s Hospital of ChengduAbstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major contributor to cancer mortality and exhibits high intratumoral heterogeneity. The functional role of SPATS2 in LUAD remains poorly defined. Methods We integrated transcriptomic data from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases to evaluate SPATS2 expression patterns and their associations with clinical features and prognosis in LUAD. Genomic analyses were performed to assess copy number variations, mutation correlations, and tumor mutation burden (TMB). Functional enrichment analyses (GSEA, GSVA) and immune infiltration profiling (CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, TIP) were conducted to explore the biological and immunological roles of SPATS2. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the TISCH database (GSE131907) were used to determine SPATS2 expression in tumor microenvironment (TME) cell subsets. In vitro experiments using siRNA-SPATS2 in A549 cells were performed to assess mitochondrial function. Results SPATS2 expression was significantly elevated in LUAD tissues and correlated with copy number amplification and increased TMB. High SPATS2 levels were associated with advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and worse overall survival. Functional analyses revealed enrichment in cell cycle, DNA repair, and metabolic pathways. Immune profiling indicated that SPATS2 modulates immune infiltration, with higher expression linked to increased infiltration of macrophages and Tregs, and reduced stromal and immune scores. Single-cell data showed SPATS2 expression was highest in endothelial and plasma cells. Knockdown of SPATS2 impaired mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced ROS levels in A549 cells. Conclusion SPATS2 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD. Its role in tumor progression, immune remodeling, and mitochondrial function warrants further investigation in personalized therapy development.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03179-7SPATS2Lung adenocarcinomaPrognostic biomarkerTumor immune microenvironmentSingle-cell RNA sequencing
spellingShingle Maorong Teng
Fangtao Yan
Jingping Shang
Xiaohua Sun
Yahui Wang
Jian Shen
Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
Discover Oncology
SPATS2
Lung adenocarcinoma
Prognostic biomarker
Tumor immune microenvironment
Single-cell RNA sequencing
title Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
title_full Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
title_fullStr Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
title_full_unstemmed Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
title_short Targeting SPATS2 in lung adenocarcinoma: implications for prognosis and immune-based therapy
title_sort targeting spats2 in lung adenocarcinoma implications for prognosis and immune based therapy
topic SPATS2
Lung adenocarcinoma
Prognostic biomarker
Tumor immune microenvironment
Single-cell RNA sequencing
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03179-7
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