Impact of pan-cancer analysis of the exportins family on prognosis, the tumor microenvironment and its potential therapeutic efficacy

Sep 21, 2026

This study comprehensively analyzes how the exportin (XPO) family contributes to cancer development and progression. Nuclear transport proteins from the XPO family are evaluated using updated public databases and bioinformatics tools, focusing on expression across cancers and links to patient survival, immune subtypes, tumor microenvironment features, stemness scores, drug sensitivity, and DNA methylation. Expression varies across cancer types, with certain XPO members tied to adverse prognosis. Results further connect XPO levels to immune infiltration, tumor purity, RNA stemness, and methylation patterns, supporting distinct prognostic and therapeutic roles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

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Introduction

Clinical and Experimental Medicine (2025) 25:18 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-024-01534-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-024-01534-6) Impact of pan‑cancer analysis of the exportins family on prognosis, the tumor microenvironment and its potential therapeutic efficacy Ying Peng1,2,3 · Youheng Li1 · Lingmei Wang1 · Shenglai Lin1 · Hong Xu1 Received: 20 September 2024 / Accepted: 4 December 2024 / Published online: 21 December 2024 © The Author(s) 2024 Abstract This study aims to comprehensively analyze the role of the exportin (XPO) family in the development and progression of cancer. These nuclear transport proteins have been increasingly recognized for their involvement in oncogenic processes and tumor growth. We utilized updated public databases and bioinformatics tools to assess the expression levels ofthe XPO family and their associations with key oncological markers including patient survival, immune subtypes, tumor microenvironment, stemness scores, drug sensitivity, and DNA methylation across various cancers. Expression levels of XPO family proteins varied significantly across different cancer types, indicating cancer-specific roles. Specific XPO proteins were linked to adverse prognosis in particular cancers. Additionally, expression levels were correlated with classifications of immune subtypes and tumor purity; notably, lower expression levels were often found in tumors with elevated stromal and immune scores. A marked correlation was observed between XPO proteins and RNA stemness scores, whereas the correlation with DNA stemness scores varied. Furthermore, XPO expression levels significantly influenced cancer cell drug sensitivity and generally showed correlations with gene methylation patterns, although these correlations differed among cancer types. Our findings underscore the distinct roles of XPO family members in cancer, linking them to immune infiltration, the tumor microenvironment, and drug sensitivity. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the prognostic and therapeutic potentials of XPO proteins in cancer but also lay the groundwork for further studies into their mechanisms and applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Keywords Pan-cancer · Exportin · Prognosis · Tumor microenvironment · Immune subtypes · Bioinformatics · Drug sensitivity Introduction The global impact of cancer is profound, affecting both socio-economic structures [1] and public health. but also poses a dire threat to human health, a threat compounded by shifting demographics and detrimental lifestyle choices [2]. Cancer, a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled * Hong Xu [202310157@sr.gxmu.edu.cn](202310157@sr.gxmu.edu.cn) 1 Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China 2 First Clinical College of Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China 3 Nanshan District Clinical Pathological Diagnosis Center, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China cell proliferation and significant physiological disruptions [3 , 4], underscores the urgent need to deepen our understanding of its biological and immunological foundations [5] . While traditional treatments remain foundational, the landscape of cancer therapy is rapidly evolving through the development of precision medicine [6], advancements in targeted therapies [7], and innovations in immunotherapy [8] . Pan-cancer analysis plays a crucial role in this context, identifying common genetic markers across various cancer types and refining treatment strategies. With global cancer incidences expected to rise significantly [9], the call for a comprehensive and collaborative approach in research and healthcare has never been more pressing. At the cellular level, maintaining the integrity of nuclearcytoplasmic transport is crucial for preserving cellular functions. A disruption in this delicate balance plays

FAQs

Does the study suggest clinical or therapeutic relevance for XPO proteins?

Yes. It shows that XPO expression influences cancer cell drug sensitivity and relates to gene methylation patterns, supporting the prognostic and potential therapeutic value of specific XPO family members.

Sep 21, 2026

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