Table 2_Innovative molecular targets for combatting metastasis in adrenocortical carcinoma.xlsx

BackgroundMetastasis in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) presents a formidable clinical challenge, with limited insights into its underlying mechanisms and few effective treatment options. This study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with metastasis in adult ACC and to explore novel therapeutic approaches.
MethodsRNA sequencing data from 74 adult ACC patients were analyzed using bioinformatics approaches, including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis. Functional pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify metastasis-associated genes and to explore key biological pathways contributing to metastatic progression. Candidate genes were selected based on their statistical significance, prognostic relevance, and involvement in metastatic processes.
ResultsSeven hub genes were identified as significantly associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in ACC patients. These genes were enriched in pathways critical to tumor progression, such as mismatch repair, nucleotide excision repair, and cell cycle regulation. High expression levels of these genes correlated with reduced overall survival. Importantly, potential therapeutic agents targeting these molecular drivers were identified, offering promising, lower-toxicity options for treating metastatic ACC.
ConclusionThe molecular markers identified in this study offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying ACC metastasis and represent promising therapeutic targets, providing a foundation for developing improved treatment strategies in clinical practice.

【背景】肾上腺皮质癌（adrenocortical carcinoma, ACC）的转移是一项严峻的临床挑战，其潜在发病机制尚不明确，且有效治疗方案匮乏。本研究旨在鉴定与成人ACC转移相关的分子标志物，并探索新型治疗策略。
【方法】本研究采用生物信息学方法对74例成人ACC患者的RNA测序（RNA sequencing）数据进行分析，涵盖加权基因共表达网络分析（weighted gene co-expression network analysis, WGCNA）与差异基因表达分析。通过功能通路富集分析，鉴定转移相关基因并探究促进转移进程的关键生物学通路。候选基因的筛选基于其统计学显著性、预后相关性及参与转移过程的特性。
【结果】本研究共鉴定出7个核心基因（hub genes），其与ACC患者的肿瘤转移及不良预后显著相关。上述基因富集于肿瘤进展相关的关键通路，包括错配修复（mismatch repair）、核苷酸切除修复（nucleotide excision repair）及细胞周期调控（cell cycle regulation）。这些基因的高表达与患者总生存期（overall survival）缩短呈显著负相关。尤为重要的是，本研究筛选出靶向这些分子驱动因子的潜在治疗药物，为转移性ACC的治疗提供了颇具前景的低毒治疗选择。
【结论】本研究鉴定的分子标志物为阐明ACC转移的潜在机制提供了重要见解，同时也代表了极具潜力的治疗靶点，可为临床实践中开发优化的治疗策略奠定坚实基础。