A comprehensive analysis of transcription factors identified TCF3 as a prognostic target for glioma.

Journal: Scientific reports
Published Date: Jul 13, 2025

Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) are pivotal in tumor initiation and progression, regulating downstream gene expression and modulating cellular processes. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of TF gene sets to define the molecular subtypes of gliomas. Using nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), we identified two distinct glioma subtypes characterized by significant differences in survival outcomes and clinical features. Additionally, we identified TF gene sets with differential expression across gliomas of various World Health Organization (WHO) states, followed by protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. By applying 101 machine learning models, five key genes (EZH2, TWIST1, EGR1, FOSL2, and TCF3) involved in glioma were identified. Among these genes, TCF3 has emerged as a potential key prognostic marker because of its distinct expression patterns and functional relevance. By performing multi-omics and multi-dataset analyses, we explored the aberrant expression of TCF3 across multiple cancers, with robust validation at both the cellular and tissue levels. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a strong association between TCF3 mutation and glioma prognosis, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. In summary, this study not only introduces a novel method for the molecular subtyping of glioma but also highlights TCF3 as a promising target for precision medicine. Our findings provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms of glioma and offer a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Authors

  • Qiao Li
    Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
  • Peng Feng
    The Key Lab of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems of the Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
  • Shangyu Liu
    Lanzhou University Second Hospital, The Second Medical College of Lanzhou University, Cuiyingmen No.82, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
  • Goupeng Tian
    The Second Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
  • Guoqiang Yuan
    The Second Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China. Electronic address: yuangq08@lzu.edu.cn.
  • Yawen Pan
    The Second Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, PR China; Academician Workstation of The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University. Electronic address: pyw@lzu.edu.cn.

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