Expression, immune infiltration, prognostic value, and clinical validation of RGS gene family in cancer: comprehensive analysis based on cellular metabolism

Background The regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) gene family is instrumental in tumour progression. However, the role of the RGS gene family in gastric cancer (GC) remains to be further elucidated.Methods A risk score model was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and nomogram integrating clinicopathological parameters was developed. Pathological information was collected from 115 patients with GC. Expression levels of relevant RGS genes were measured using absolute quantitative PCR to validate the accuracy of the model and nomogram.Results High expression of RGS1, RGS2, RGS4, and RGS5 correlated with shorter overall survival (OS). Five-gene risk models (RGS2, RGS3, RGS4, RGS5, and RGS16) effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups, with patients in the high-risk group showing significantly shorter OS.Conclusion The RGS gene family is a prognostic biomarker and influences the immune microenvironment in GC. The developed risk model and nomogram are valuable personalised prognostic prediction.