IL20RB as a potential biomarker for prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinomas and is known for having the worst prognosis. It features a complex array of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which play varied roles in tumor progression and patient outcomes. Exploring the role and significance of HDACs in ccRCC can provide effective prognosis and treatment methods for ccRCC. METHODS: We investigated the expression patterns of HDAC family genes in renal cancer and stratified the disease into distinct subtypes based on their expression profiles using consensus clustering. For each subtype, we conducted differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and drug sensitivity evaluation. We then developed and validated a prognostic model utilizing genes associated with the HDAC-based subtypes across multiple independent cohorts. Finally, we collected clinical ccRCC samples and validated the expression of key genes, including IL20RB, using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: We identified three clusters linked to distinct HDAC expression patterns that demonstrate varied prognosis and drug sensitivities in ccRCC. Multi-omic analysis revealed distinct mutation and CNV profiles among these clusters, highlighting unique molecular characteristics. Additionally, an 8-gene model risk score, derived from HDAC expression patterns, has proven reliable as a prognostic marker in both training and validation cohorts for ccRCC. Survival analysis also showed that IL20RB is a dependable prognostic factor for ccRCC. Moreover, a pan-cancer analysis suggested that IL20RB is associated with poor prognosis and the activation of metastasis pathways in various types of cancer. Then, compared with tumor surrounding normal tissues, IL20RB expression was significantly up-regulated in in ccRCC tissues at all stages. CONCLUSION: Our study delineates the role of HDACs in ccRCC, shedding light on their influence on tumor heterogeneity, immune modulation, drug response, and molecular profiles. Notably, IL20RB is identified not only as a promising therapeutic target but also as a prognostic indicator, thereby advancing the development of targeted therapies and precision medicine for this disease.