Identification of four differentially methylated genes as prognostic signatures for stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with a low survival prognosis. We aimed to generate a prognostic model for the postoperative recurrence of LUAD.

Methods: The methylated DNA data of LUAD patients were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The differentially methylated genes were identified and protein-protein interacting network was constructed, with which prognostic signature of this cancer was generated. Survival and functional pathways analysis w used to evaluate the clustering ability of the prognostic signature.

Results: We identified 151 differentially methylated genes related to relapse-free survival of patients with LUAD. Nine hub genes were identified in PPI network, with which 4 gene pair signature was selected as prognostic signature. The potential functions of 6 genes (JDP2, SERPINA5, PLG, SEMG2, RFX5, and POLR3B) in the 4-gene pair signature were enriched in intracellular protein synthesis and transportation.

Conclusion: The four gene pair signature can predict the prognosis of patients with stage I LUAD. Our study provides a reference for patients with postoperative adjuvant therapy.