Enhanced expression of FCER1G predicts positive prognosis in multiple myeloma

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy worldwide and does not have sufficient prognostic indicators. <i>FCER1G</i> (Fc fragment Of IgE receptor Ig) is located on chromosome 1q23.3 and is involved in the innate immunity. Early studies have shown that <i>FCER1G</i> participates in many immune-related pathways encompassing multiple cell types. Meanwhile, it is associated with many malignancies. However, the relationship between MM and <i>FCER1G</i> has not been studied. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, we integrated nine independent gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and analyzed the associations of <i>FCER1G</i> expression and myeloma progression, ISS stage, 1q21 amplification and survival in 2296 myeloma patients and 48 healthy donors. <b>Results:</b> The expression of <i>FCER1G</i> showed a decreasing trend with the advance of myeloma. As ISS stage and 1q21 amplification level increased, the expression of <i>FCER1G</i> decreased (P = 0.0012 and 0.0036, respectively). MM patients with high <i>FCER1G</i> expression consistently had longer EFS and OS across three large sample datasets (EFS: P = 0.0057, 0.0049, OS: P = 0.0014, 0.00065, 0.0019 and 0.0029, respectively). Meanwhile, univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that high <i>FCER1G</i> expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor for EFS and OS in MM patients (EFS: P = 0.006, 0.027, OS: P =0.002,0.025, respectively). <b>Conclusions:</b> The expression level of <i>FCER1G</i> negatively correlated with myeloma progression, and high <i>FCER1G</i> expression may be applied as a favorable biomarker in MM patients.