TMEM88 is a protective gene in HCC and has the function of promotes immune escape

Abstract Background Transmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) is a cancer-related protein that acts as a cancer-promoting or cancer-inhibiting regulator in multiple tumor types. However, the exact role of TMEM88 in liver cancer is unclear. This study was designed to determine the expression of TMEM88 in liver cancer cells. Results TMEM88 expression was higher in liver cancer tissues than in corresponding normal tissues. TMEM88 expression in HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) tissues correlates with prognosis. Low TMEM88 expression was associated with poorer overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival in multiple cohorts of patients with HCC, particularly in late disease stages (grades 2 and 3). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation among MCPCOUNTER infiltration, XCELL infiltration and TIDE infiltration of TMEM88 in liver tumor cells. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that TMEM88 is a protective gene in HCC and promotes immune escape.