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Abstract Background: Epigenetic-related genes (ERGs) play a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. However, their potential for cervical cancer (CC) diagnosis and prognosis remains underexplored. Methods: Clinical data and gene expression profiles were sourced from publicly available databases. Epigenetic associations were predicted using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model, and multiple algorithms were employed to evaluate the impact of ERGs on immune responses, treatment outcomes, and predictive accuracy. Western blotting analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess gene expression. Subsequently, DNMT3B was selected for further in vitro and in vivo study. Results: A total of 567 ERGs were identified from open-access databases, with 59 found to be significantly associated with prognosis of CC. Five ERGs ( DNMT3B , SMYD2 , IKZF3 , L3MBTL2 , and CHD7 ) were deemed instrumental in constructing a prognostic signature for CC. The predictive accuracy of the ERG signature was evaluated, revealing a robust correlation between immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, drug sensitivity, and the ERG signature. DNMT3B was found to be highly expressed in CC, and both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed its role in promoting tumor growth. Conclusions: The epigenetic signature developed in this study holds considerable promise for prognostic prediction and therapeutic guidance in patients with CC. DNMT3B was identified as an oncogenic gene, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Lin et al. (Fri,) studied this question.