Angiogenesis-Related Genes Predict Outcomes and Immune Traits in Skin Melanoma

The interplay between angiogenesis and the immune system is intricate, with the potential to either enhance or repress the immune response. Angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) are significant for the development, growth, and immune response of tumors. Understanding their prognostic significance and molecular characteristics in skin melanoma can guide and refine therapeutic strategies. Here, we analyzed the TCGA-SKCM dataset and explored the ARG expression between skin melanoma and normal skin, as well as between primary and metastatic tumors. Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to assess the overall, disease-specific, and progression-free survival. Additionally, comprehensive immune profiling was carried out utilizing advanced bioinformatics tools to evaluate immune checkpoint gene expression and immune cell infiltration. Our findings highlighted strong prognostic associations for <i>S100A4</i>, <i>ITGAV</i>, and <i>COL3A1</i>. Molecular characterization showed a significant upregulation of <i>PTK2</i>, <i>CXCL6</i>, <i>COL3A1</i>, <i>COL5A2</i>, <i>PF4</i>, <i>TNFRSF21</i>, <i>LRPAP1</i>, <i>VTN</i>, <i>TIMP1</i>, <i>SPP1</i>, and <i>OLR1</i> in SKCM compared to that in normal skin. Immune analyses, including Immune Checkpoint Gene Analysis, Immune Infiltration Analysis, Immune Cell Analysis, and Immune Cell Profiling, demonstrated both positive and negative correlations between ARGs expression and immune cell infiltration, emphasizing the multifaceted role of these genes in immune modulation. The study underscores the prognostic relevance of ARGs in skin melanoma and their contribution to tumor immunity. Overall, our findings expand our understanding of melanoma immunogenetics, suggesting the use of angiogenesis-related genes not merely as vascular regulators, but also as immune modulators.