Expression Status and Prognostic Values of SOCS Family Genes in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Backgroud: Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family play important roles in the development of cancers by inhibiting the transmission of the Janus kinases–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. However, the expression patterns and prognostic value of SOCS family genes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Methods: : The SOCS family genes expression profiles were explored using ONCOMINE and GEPIA online tools. The mutation and copy number alterations of SOCS family genes in NSCLC were assessed by cBioportal for Cancer Genomics. The methylation status of SOCS family members were analyzed through MEXPRESS and UCSC Xena website. The prognostic values of SOCS family genes in NSCLC were explored through Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. Results: : The expression levels of SOCS2, SOCS3, and cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS/CISH) were significantly reduced in NSCLC tissues compared to normal lung tissues. The aberrant DNA methylation of SOCS family genes were frequent in NSCLC. CISH methylation was negatively correlated with gene expression in NSCLC. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis demonstrated high expression of SOCS1 may be a predictor of poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD) but served as a favorable prognostic marker of lung squamous cell carcinoma. The high expression levels of SOCS2 and SOCS4-7 were significantly correlated with better overall survival (OS) in LUAD but not in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) patients. Conclusions: : Our findings indicated that the aberrant gene expression and DNA methylation of SOCS family members are common in NSCLC and contribute to tumorigenesis. SOCS family genes may serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC patients