Expression profile, prognostic values, and immune infiltration of IRX family members in lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background The iroquois homologous homeobox (IRX) gene family may be involved in the development of a variety of tumors. However, comprehensive analysis of IRX family members in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has rarely been reported. Methods From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), LUAD samples were extracted. The roles of IRXs were comprehensively analyzed using Kaplan–Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, and R software (version 3.6.3). Results The expression of IRX1/2/3/6 was significantly lower in LUAD compared to normal lung tissue, while the expression of IRX4 was significantly higher in LUAD compared to normal lung tissue. The expression of IRX was associated with T stage, number_pack_years_smoked, N stage, gender, primary treatment outcome, and smokers. In LUAD, IRX2 downregulation was an independent factor that contributes to poor prognosis. Expression of multiple IRX genes showed some diagnostic biomarker values for LUAD. IRX genes were key players mediating the development and progression of LUAD through multiple pathways, including ras signaling pathway, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglio series, inositol phosphate metabolism, metabolic pathways, and pertussis. There was a significant association between immune infiltration and IRX genes. Conclusions The IRX family may represent novel prognostic biomarkers, as well as immunotherapeutic targets for LUAD.