Integrative Analysis of MUC4 to Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Pan-Cancer: Friend or Foe?

Abstract

<i>MUC4</i>, a transmembrane mucin, plays important roles in epithelial renewal and differentiation. Recent studies suggest that <i>MUC4</i> has been implicated in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and is expressed in various normal and cancer tissues. The underlying features of <i>MUC4</i> across various cancer types may allow us to ensure appropriate treatment and patient monitoring. However, the contributions of <i>MUC4</i> to pan-cancer have not been well characterized. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and prognostic value of <i>MUC4</i> across multiple databases. We further explored genomic and epigenetic alterations of <i>MUC4</i>, its association with proliferation and metastasis, and the correlation with immune infiltration in different cancers. Our results characterized the distinct expression profile and prognostic values of <i>MUC4</i> in pan-cancer. Through examining its association with genomic alteration, tumor proliferation, and metastasis, as well as tumor infiltration, we revealed multiple function effects of <i>MUC4</i>. <i>MUC4</i> may influence prognosis, proliferation, metastasis, and immune response in opposite directions. In conclusion, our findings suggested the necessity to more carefully evaluate <i>MUC4</i> as a biomarker and therapeutic target and develop the new antibodies for cancer detection and intervention.