FAP Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Figure 4

Exploring the impact of FAP on HNSCC progression and associated pathways. (a) A differential gene expression volcano plot, generated from the TCGA HNSCC dataset and dividing patients into cohorts with high and low FAP expression, sharply identifies the distinct characteristic genes between the two groups. (b) GO pathway enrichment analysis highlights the relationship between increased FAP expression and key biological processes. (c) KEGG pathway enrichment outcomes clarify the strong correlation between elevated FAP levels and signaling pathways. (d) RNA-Seq profile graphs for both SCC15 control and knockout cells. (e) Results demonstrate a marked reduction in pathways associated with cellular adhesion, extracellular matrix structuring, collagen fibril formation, collagen breakdown, and matrix degradation following FAP removal. (f) KEGG analysis reveals considerable downregulation in pathways concerning ECM-receptor binding, focal adherence, PI3K-Akt signaling, cancer proteoglycans, and IL-17 signaling post-FAP ablation.

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