Identification of CKS2 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Sep 24, 2026

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Cyclin-dependent kinase subunit 2 (CKS2) is investigated for its biological function and prognostic value in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), where its role has not been fully clarified. Online database analyses are used to assess CKS2 expression, then validated with clinical specimens. Clinicopathological data evaluate prognostic relevance, while WGCNA and functional enrichment predict OSCC progression mechanisms. In vitro assays confirm key effects, and analyses assess immune infiltration, TMB, drug sensitivity, and survival prediction via a validated nomogram. Overall results support CKS2 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in OSCC.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

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Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

Identification of CKS2 as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for oral squamous cell carcinoma Danqi Qiu1,2, Hongshi Cai1,2, Jianfeng Liang1,2, Ziyi Wang1,2, Fan Song1,2, Yaoqi Jiang1,2, Rukeng Tan1,2, Jingsong Hou1,2 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China Contributions: (I) Conception and design: J Hou, D Qiu, H Cai; (II) Administrative support: J Hou; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: H Cai, J Liang, Z Wang; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: D Qiu, F Song, Y Jiang; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: D Qiu, R Tan; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: Jinsong Hou, MD, PhD. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan W. Road, Guangzhou 510055, [China. Email: houjs@mail.sysu.edu.cn](China. Email: houjs@mail.sysu.edu.cn). Background: The cyclin-dependent kinase subunit 2 (CKS2) is recognized to have a substantial impact on the pathogenesis and advancement of several malignant neoplasms. Nevertheless, its biological function and prognostic significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Our primary objective was to clarify the contribution of CKS2 in the progression and prognosis of OSCC. Methods: We first conducted a thorough examination of online databases to investigate the expression of CKS2, and subsequently corroborated our discoveries by analyzing clinical specimens that we collected. According to the clinicopathological data, we then explored the prognostic significance of CKS2 . Furthermore, we predicted the role of CKS2 in OSCC progression by employing weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) in conjunction with functional enrichment analysis. We conducted functional experiments in vitro to confirm our speculations. Additionally, we explored other potential functions of CKS2 in immune infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and drug sensitivity. Finally, we established and validated a nomogram that effectively integrated CKS2-related genes and other relevant clinical factors. Results: Our findings indicated a significant upregulation of CKS2 expression in OSCC tissues compared to normal groups, which was positively associated with poor clinical outcomes. We also predicted and validated the role of CKS2 in promoting proliferation by regulating the cell cycle. Additionally, its upregulation was significantly correlated to enhanced immune cell infiltration, high TMB, and increased sensitivity of anti-tumor agents. Following verification, the nomogram was conducted to quantify an individual’s survival probability. Conclusions: In general, our study indicates that CKS2 is a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in OSCC. Keywords: Cyclin-dependent kinase subunit 2 ( CKS2); oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); prognosis; immunity; cell proliferation Submitted Mar 23, 2023. Accepted for publication Aug 15, 2023. Published online Sep 12, 2023. doi: 10.21037/tcr-23-511 View this article at: [https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr-23-511](https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr-23-511) © Translational Cancer Research. All rights reserved. Transl Cancer Res 2023;12(9):2276-2293 | [https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr-23-511](https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr-23-511) Translational Cancer Research, Vol 12, No 9 September 2023 2277 Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent type of oral malignant neoplasms, representing over 90% of all cases. Despite the progress made in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, the prognosis of OSCC has exhibited minimal advancement in r

FAQs

What was the study’s main objective regarding CKS2 in OSCC?

To clarify how CKS2 contributes to OSCC progression and prognosis, including its value as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

How was CKS2 expression in OSCC determined and validated?

Expression was first examined using online databases, then confirmed by analyzing clinical specimens collected from patients.

What evidence supports CKS2 as a prognostic biomarker?

CKS2 was found to be significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues compared with normal groups and was positively associated with poor clinical outcomes. A nomogram further quantified individual survival probability using CKS2-related genes and clinical factors.

Sep 24, 2026

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