Integrated multi-omics analysis and experimental investigation of mitochondrial dynamics-related genes: molecular subtypes, immune landscape, and prognostic implications in lung adenocarcinoma

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common and aggressive subtype of lung cancer associated with poor clinical outcomes. The role of mitochondrial dynamics (MD)-related genes in tumor progression and immune regulation remains poorly understood. Methods Data from public databases were integrated, and subtypes were classified based on 23 MD-related genes. A five-gene prognostic model was constructed. Associations between the model and immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor stemness, and drug sensitivity were analyzed. The function of the key gene MTCH2 was validated through in vitro experiments. Results Two distinct MD molecular subtypes were identified, exhibiting significant differences in prognosis and immune characteristics. A corresponding risk score model was established. Patients in the low-risk group showed better prognosis and enhanced immune activity, whereas the high-risk group displayed higher TMB and stemness scores. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed distinct responses to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and docetaxel between risk groups. Functional assays demonstrated that MTCH2 knockout significantly inhibited LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest, suggesting that MTCH2 may act as a potential adverse prognostic marker. Conclusion MD-related genes exhibit strong prognostic and immune subtyping value. The proposed risk model holds clinical potential, and MTCH2 may serve as a promising target for precision therapy in LUAD.