Multi-omics analysis identifies BCAT2 as a potential pan-cancer biomarker for tumor progression and immune microenvironment modulation

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

Multi-omics analysis evaluates branched-chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2) as a pan-cancer biomarker linked to tumor progression and immune microenvironment modulation. Using cBioPortal for genomic alterations, TCGA and GTEx RNA-Seq for expression profiling, and RSEM for transcript analysis, the study integrates protein expression and interaction networks via Human Protein Atlas, UniProt, and STRING. Prognostic associations are assessed by Cox regression with TCGA survival data, and immune infiltration is analyzed with TCGA and TIMER2. Results show BCAT2 amplification/upregulation correlating with poor survival and distinct effects on CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg infiltration.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Need for novel pan-cancer biomarkers

Study Rationale

BCAT2 and branched-chain amino acid metabolism

Results

Genetic alterations of BCAT2

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN Multi-omics analysis identifies BCAT2 as a potential pan-cancer biomarker for tumor progression and immune microenvironment modulation Qixuan Cao, Jie Fan, JianZou􀀍 & Wei Wang􀀍 Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2) encodes a crucial protein involved in the initial catalysis of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, with emerging evidence suggesting its association with tumor progression. This study explores BCAT2 in a pan-cancer multi-omics context and evaluates its prognostic significance. We utilized a multi-database approach, analyzing cBioPortal for genetic alterations, RNA-Seq data from TCGA and GTEx for expression patterns, and RSEM fortranscript analysis. Protein expression and interaction networks were assessed using the Human Protein Atlas, UniProt, and STRING. Prognostic value was determined through Cox regression analysis of TCGA clinical survival data, while immune cell infiltration across various cancers was examined using TCGA data and the TIMER2 platform. Our results revealed that BCAT2 alterations are primarily amplifications and is upregulated in various tumors, correlating with poor survival rates in several tumor types, including GBMLGG, LGG, and UVM. Elevated BCAT2 protein levels were common in pancancer, interacting with a range of metabolic enzymes. Additionally, BCAT2 expression significantly influenced CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg cells infiltration, with varied correlations across cancer types. These findings indicate BCAT2 as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and therapy, potentially regulating key metabolic and immune factors to mediate tumor progression and the microenvironment. Cancer remains a foremost cause of death and a substantial public health challenge worldwide, directly impacting both healthcare systems and the global economy1. Despite advancements in primary treatment strategies such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy2, patients frequently face poor prognoses and survival, hindered by complications such as drug resistance and side effects3. This underscores the urgent need for novel biomarkers as therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Pan-cancer analysis, transcending traditional organ-specific approaches, offers a comprehensive perspective by integrating genomics data across various cancer types. This approach is crucial for identifying biomarker genes. By discovering and validating these biomarkers, pan-cancer analysis holds the potential to revolutionize cancer prognosis, treatment, and the understanding of cancer biology4. Given these challenges, our study focuses on the metabolic pathways involving branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), specifically examining the role of branched-chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2) within a pancancer framework. We hypothesize that BCAT2 could serve as a critical biomarker, offering new insights into cancer prognosis and therapeutic strategies. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, valine, and isoleucine—are essential hydrophobic amino acids predominantly metabolized in muscle tissues5. Under normal circumstances, BCAAs participate in protein synthesis and molecular signal regulations by mediating the production of coenzyme A (CoA) and glutamate6. Recently, anomalous BCAAs metabolism was found in multiple tumors accompanied by disturbed nitrogen and carbon sources, leading tumor cells to obtain BCAAs from other circulation or peripheral tissues7,8. Emerging evidence highlights a significant correlation between dysregulated BCAA metabolism and increased cancer risk across various cancer types9. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase (BCAT) plays a crucial role in the transamination of BCAAs, which is a reversible process to form branched-chain α-keto acid (BCKA)10. After the oxidative decarboxylation School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China. 􀀍 [email: jianzou@cqmu.edu.cn](email

FAQs

What is BCAT2 and why is it relevant to cancer progression?

BCAT2 encodes an enzyme central to branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. Prior evidence suggests its involvement in tumor development and progression through BCAA catabolism.

How did the study assess BCAT2 across cancers?

It integrated multiple datasets: cBioPortal for genetic alterations, TCGA and GTEx RNA-Seq for expression, and RSEM for transcript analysis, with protein networks evaluated using Human Protein Atlas, UniProt, and STRING.

What did the study find about BCAT2 prognostic value and immune effects?

BCAT2 alterations were mainly amplifications and the gene was upregulated in multiple tumors, correlating with poor survival in several cancer types. BCAT2 expression also significantly influenced infiltration patterns of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg cells, depending on cancer type.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Riley