Identification and characterization of interferon- signaling-based personalized heterogeneity and therapeutic strategies in patients with pancreatic cancer

Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a key cytokine with diverse biological functions, including antiviral defense, antitumor activity, immune regulation, and modulation of cellular processes. Nonetheless, its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) therapy remains debated. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the role of Interferon-gamma related genes (IFN-gamma Gs) in the progression of PC development.Methodology: Transcriptomic data from 930 PC were sourced from TCGA, GEO, ICGC, and ArrayExpress, and 93 IFN-gamma Gs were obtained from the MSigDB. We researched the characteristics of IFN-gamma Gs in pan-cancer. Subsequently, the cohort of 930 PC was stratified into two distinct subgroups using the NMF algorithm. We then examined disparities in the activation of cancer-associated pathways within these subpopulations through GSVA analysis. We scrutinized immune infiltration in both subsets and probed classical molecular target drug sensitivity variations. Finally, we devised and validated a novel IFN-gamma related prediction model using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, we conducted RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry assays to validate the expression of seven target genes included in the prediction model.Results: We demonstrated the CNV, SNV, methylation, expression levels, and prognostic characteristics of IFN-gamma Gs in pan-cancers. Notably, Cluster 2 demonstrated superior prognostic outcomes and heightened immune cell infiltration compared to Clusters 1. We also assessed the IC50 values of classical molecular targeted drugs to establish links between IFN-gamma Gs expression levels and drug responsiveness. Additionally, by applying our prediction model, we segregated PC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, identifying potential benefits of cisplatin, docetaxel, pazopanib, midostaurin, epothilone.B, thapsigargin, bryostatin.1, and AICAR for high-risk PC patients, and metformin, roscovitine, salubrinal, and cyclopamine for those in the low-risk group. The expression levels of these model genes were further verified through HPA website data and qRT-PCR assays in PC cell lines and tissues.Conclusion: This study unveils IFN-gamma Gs related molecular subsets in pancreatic cancer for the first time, shedding light on the pivotal role of IFN-gamma Gs in the progression of PC. Furthermore, we establish an IFN-gamma Gs related prognostic model for predicting the survival of PC, offering a theoretical foundation for exploring the precise mechanisms of IFN-gamma Gs in PC.