FER-1 like family member 4 pseudogene: novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for cutaneous melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite advancements in treatment, many patients still face poor outcomes. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in melanoma pathogenesis is crucial for improving diagnosis and therapy. Non-coding RNAs, with their extensive regulatory roles, show promise as diagnostic biomarkers. This study focuses on evaluating the <i>FER1L4</i> pseudogene and its potential role in melanoma. <i>FER1L4</i> expression was analyzed in normal melanocytes and melanoma cell lines using qRT-PCR. Additionally, TCGA data and online prediction tools were employed to correlate expression levels with clinicopathological features. The relationship between <i>FER1L4</i>, patient phenotypes, and immune responses was further explored using REACTOME, GSEA, and immune deconvolution analyses. <i>In vitro</i> analysis revealed significant upregulation of <i>FER1L4</i> in melanoma cells. Its expression levels were influenced by <i>BRAF</i> mutations and were markedly higher in metastatic compared to primary melanomas. Higher <i>FER1L4</i> expression was associated with improved patient survival. Furthermore, <i>miR-514a-5p</i>, <i>miR-330-5p</i>, and <i>miR-128-3p</i> were identified as interacting with <i>FER1L4</i>. Dysregulated genes involved in immune signaling pathways were also identified as potential miRNA targets. This is the first study to demonstrate the association of <i>FER1L4</i> with melanoma. Patients with elevated <i>FER1L4</i> levels exhibited distinct phenotypes, altered immunological profiles, and improved survival rates. These findings suggest that <i>FER1L4</i> could serve as a potential biomarker for melanoma.