Identification of TSEN15 as a novel biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Background and Aims: TRNA splicing endonuclease subunit 15 (TSEN15) is known for its role in cell cycle regulation, but its involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains underexplored. TSEN15 influences mitosis and cancer cell proliferation. Its effects on immune infiltration and prognostic value in HCC demand further study. Approach and Results: HCC patient data were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). TSEN15 expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher than in normal liver tissues. High TSEN15 levels were associated with advanced HCC stages, such as T3, T4, and M1. Survival analyses showed TSEN15 as an independent negative prognostic marker for overall survival. Immune profiling revealed that elevated TSEN15 expression correlates with reduced infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. Functional enrichment analyses linked TSEN15 to pathways promoting tumor progression. Results were validated through Western blotting, PCR, and cellular assays. Conclusion: TSEN15 serves as a novel biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, indicating its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions. Its role in promoting tumor proliferation, modulating immune infiltration, and influencing clinical outcomes underscores its clinical significance in HCC management.