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 FER1L4 pseudogene and its potential role in melanoma. FER1L4 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 FER1L4, patient phenotypes, and immune responses was further explored using REACTOME, GSEA, and immune deconvolution analyses. In vitro analysis revealed significant upregulation of FER1L4 in melanoma cells. Its expression levels were influenced by BRAF mutations and were markedly higher in metastatic compared to primary melanomas. Higher FER1L4 expression was associated with improved patient survival. Furthermore, miR-514a-5p, miR-330-5p, and miR-128-3p were identified as interacting with FER1L4. Dysregulated genes involved in immune signaling pathways were also identified as potential miRNA targets. This is the first study to demonstrate the association of FER1L4 with melanoma. Patients with elevated FER1L4 levels exhibited distinct phenotypes, altered immunological profiles, and improved survival rates. These findings suggest that FER1L4 could serve as a potential biomarker for melanoma.