Upregulation of C1QTNF1 is associated with poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration in KIRC: a potential therapeutic target

BACKGROUND: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common types of renal cell carcinoma, and there is often a poor prognosis for advanced KIRC patients. C1QTNF1 plays a key role in inflammatory signaling. However the prognostic value of C1QTNF1 in KIRC remains unknown. METHODS: Our study investigated the potential function of C1QTNF1 in KIRC comprehensively. RESULTS: The expression of C1QTNF1 was upregulated significantly in KIRC. Moreover, a higher level of expression of C1QTNF1 was associated with a poor prognosis and an advanced stage of cancer. In addition, KIRC showed a significant association between C1QTNF1 expression and the numbers of NK cells, DC, Tam, and Th1/Th2 cells infiltrating the tumor. It has been shown that a nomogram model based on C1QTNF1, and several clinical factors is effective at predicting overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: C1QTNF1 may participate in carcinogenesis of KIRC and contribute to immune cell infiltration, as evidenced by these observations.