Liquid-liquid phase separation-related lncRNA prognostic signature and ZNF32-AS2 as a novel biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) enhances oncogenic signaling pathways and advances cancer progression, and has been proposed as a promising cancer biomarker and intervention target. Nevertheless, doubts remain about the prognostic importance of LLPS-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: An LLPS-related lncRNA prognostic signature was generated by drivers and regulators of LLPS, and was validated in external datasets. The underlying genetic changes and functional enrichment of the signature were assessed. The drug sensitivity and response to immunotherapy were predicted in patients categorized as high-risk and low-risk. Clinical samples, phase separation agonist, and dispersant were used to identify lncRNAs with the most significant expression change. Cancer cells with ZNF32-AS2 expression regulation were subjected to colony formation assay, scratch test assay, migration and invasion assay, sorafenib resistance assay, and xenograft tumor model. Results: The signature of LLPS-related hub lncRNAs identified through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis showed outstanding performance in training and external validation cohorts consistently, and the molecular characteristics varied between different risk groups. Potential drugs for high-risk individuals were identified, and low-risk individuals demonstrated a more favorable reaction to immunotherapy. ZNF32-AS2 showed the most significant expression change in phase separation agonist and dispersant treatment. ZNF32-AS2 promoted the proliferation, mobility, and sorafenib resistance of liver cancer cells. Conclusions: The LLPS-related lncRNA signature may help assess prognosis and predict treatment efficacy in clinical settings. LLPS-related ZNF32-AS2 promoted the proliferation, mobility, and sorafenib resistance of liver cancer cells, and may be a novel potential biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma.