Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of FUTs family as prognostic and immunity markers based on multi-omics data

Sep 21, 2026

This study addresses how dysregulation of fucosyltransferases (FUTs) affects cancer-cell fucosylated epitope expression, aiming to clarify FUTs as prognostic biological markers and therapeutic targets across pan-cancer. Profiling over 10,000 individuals was integrated with drug, cancer-type, and immune-cell information, emphasizing POFUT2 and calculating FUT scores via GSVA. Survival and cancer pathways were linked to the score, and a signature was built using univariate Cox and LASSO, followed by ROC and nomogram modeling to support clinical interpretation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Cancer burden and immunotherapy markers

Rationale for FUTs and POFUT2

Research Comprehensive pan‑cancer analysis of FUTs family as prognostic and immunity markers based on multi‑omics data Zexi Jia1 · Pan Liao2 · BoYan1 · Ping Lei1,2 Received: 3 July 2024 / Accepted: 11 October 2024 © The Author(s) 2024 OPEN Abstract Background The dysregulation offucosyltransferases (FUTs) contributes to alterations in fucosylated epitope expression, which serve as distinctive features of cancer cells. Nonetheless, a comprehensive elucidation of the prognostic biological marker and therapeutic target of the FUTs family in pan-cancer remains elusive. Methods Over 10,000 individuals’ profiling information was examined, including information on 750 small molecule drugs, 33 types of cancer, and 24 types of immune cells. We focused on POFUT2’s function and applied GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) to calculate the FUT score. Survival and cancer pathways were found to be correlated with this score. After deriving a signature via univariate Cox and LASSO regression, we generated and analyzed the ROC curve and developed a nomogram. Results Our comprehensive analysis revealed epigenetic, genomic, and immunogenomic changes in FUTs, particularly POFUT2, resulting in aberrant expression. Elevated frequencies ofCNV (Copy number variation), SNV (Single Nucleotide Variant), and hypermethylation were observed in FUTs. Additionally, the survival of patients with various types of cancers may be predicted by FUT expression. Immune response and prognosis in numerous types of cancer were found to be strongly linked to aberrant POFUT2 expression. Pathway analysis unveiled the role of FUTs in apoptosis, epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle, DNA damage response, RAS/MAPK, TSC/mTOR, PI3K/AKT, AR, ER, and RTK. A prognostic index for patients diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) was established by applying a risk model incorporating nine FUTs and based on the findings ofthe GSVA. Conclusions FUTs, particularly POFUT2, emerge as candidate targets for improving the outcomes of immune therapy. The significance of aberrant MUC12 expression, cancer immune therapy, and patient survival in the context of diverse malignancies is enhanced by the strong correlation observed among these factors. Our five-gene risk signature provides patients with ACC with an independent prognostic indicator, emphasizing the critical function of these genes in inhibiting the immune system’s response in ACC. Keywords Pan-cancer · FUTs · POFUT2 · Immunogenomic · Genomics · Epigenetic · Risk model Zexi Jia, Pan Liao and BoYan contributed equally to this work. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at [https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-)[ ](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-)[01447-6](01447-6.)[.](01447-6.) * Ping Lei, [leiping1974@163.com |](leiping1974@163.com |1Department of Geriatrics)[1](leiping1974@163.com |1Department of Geriatrics)[Department of Geriatrics](leiping1974@163.com |1Department of Geriatrics), Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China. 2School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. Discover Oncology (2024) 15:567 | [https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-01447-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-01447-6) 1 Introduction There has been a considerable upward trajectory in the incidence, morbidity, and mortality related to cancer in recent years. Cancer ranks as the second greatest contributor to mortality globally, after cardiovascular disease. After 2030, malignant tumors are projected to be the leading cause of global mortality, according to the WHO [1] . Cancer genesis and advancement are strongly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Immunotherapy is exceptionally well-suited for cancer patients due to its remarkable effectiveness. Nevertheless, immunotherapy may not be effective for every patient, and DNA microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutation burden (TM

FAQs

What is the study’s primary goal regarding FUTs in pan-cancer?

To clarify the prognostic value and therapeutic target potential of the FUTs family across multiple cancer types, with a particular focus on POFUT2.

How were FUT scores and the prognostic signature constructed?

The study calculated FUT scores using GSVA, then derived a signature with univariate Cox and LASSO regression, followed by ROC analysis and nomogram development.

Which biological and pathway findings supported the link between FUTs and outcomes?

The analysis identified epigenetic, genomic, and immunogenomic alterations, including CNV, SNV, and hypermethylation, and connected FUTs to pathways such as apoptosis, EMT, cell cycle, DNA damage response, and multiple signaling cascades.

Sep 21, 2026

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