LYZ Gene as a Novel Therapeutic Target and Diagnostic Biomarker in Glioblastoma: Insights from Multi-Omics Analysis and Functional Validation

Immune checkpoint blockade is one of the current treatments for glioblastoma (GBM), which is still a very aggressive and treatment-resistant tumor of the central nervous system. This study focused on the LYZ gene to find new therapeutic targets. We performed a thorough screening of differential gene expressions between GBM and normal samples using many databases (TCGA, GTEx, GEO, and CGGA). Because LYZ is significantly upregulated in GBM tissues and is associated with shorter patient survival periods, we identified it as a gene of interest. LYZ's position on the exterior side of the plasma membrane and its participation in leukocyte-mediated immunity were identified by functional enrichment analysis, indicating a role in cell surface immune responses. Significant associations between LYZ expression and particular immune cell types were found using immune infiltration analysis, suggesting that LYZ may have an impact on the tumor microenvironment. Within GBM, single-cell research verified LYZ expression in macrophages and monocytes. LYZ was shown to express differently in GBM cell lines than in normal glial cells, according to cellular experimental verification. The LYZ gene's functional importance in the pathophysiology of GBM was highlighted by the dramatic reduction in cell proliferation, motility, and invasion that resulted from its knockout. These results suggest that LYZ is a viable therapeutic target and possible GBM diagnostic biomarker, which calls for more research into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical use.