Downregulated expression of dual-specificity phosphatase-1 in multiple myeloma as a predictor of poor survival outcomes

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy, Dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various tumors. Here, we aim to elucidate the role of DUSP1 in MM. DUSP1 mRNA expression was analyzed based on public datasets, and protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. The association between DUSP1 and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as its impact on survival, were investigated. Protein–protein interaction and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Low DUSP1 expression was detected in MM and it was associated with elevated β2-microglobulin, C-reactive protein, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, plasma cell ratio, and decreased hemoglobin levels. The DUSP1^high group exhibited superior outcomes across clinical endpoints. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that low DUSP1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS (hazard ratio = 0.273). The findings suggested that DUSP1 expression was related to proto-oncogene c-Fos (FOS), heat shock protein family member 1a (HSPA1A), several members of the MAPK family, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), and zinc finger protein 36 (ZFP36). DUSP1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with ribosomes and were negatively correlated with oocyte meiosis, one carbon pool by folate, homologous recombination, base excision repair, and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. The potential mechanisms identified through the PPI network analysis could provide insight into how DUSP1 may influence MM. Low expression of DUSP1 may be considered a poor prognostic factor for MM patients.