Prognostic Value and Immunoregulatory Mechanism of BNIP3L/Nix in Breast Cancer

Gaston day school Shanghai shangde, No. 508 Kangyan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China

Abstract

BNIP3L/Nix, a crucial receptor for mitochondrial autophagy, is instrumental in the clearance of impaired mitochondria and the regulation of human immune-related disorders, with a notable impact on oncological diseases. Despite its importance, the precise function and underlying mechanisms of BNIP3L/Nix in breast cancer have not been fully elucidated. The objective of this research is to assess the prognostic significance of BNIP3L/Nix in breast cancer and to examine its relationship with the immune system's involvement. Materials and Methods: By leveraging datasets from several public databases, including Kaplan- Meier Plotter, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, and PrognoSan, we dissected the expression patterns and prognostic implications of BNIP3L/Nix in breast cancer. Furthermore, we scrutinized the link between BNIP3L/Nix expression and the presence of immune cells in breast cancer using the TIMER2.0 and GEPIA databases. Results: Our data analysis indicated that breast cancer tissues exhibited a notably higher expression of BNIP3L/Nix than their normal counterparts. Additional findings suggested that patients with elevated BNIP3L/Nix expression had improved survival outcomes and more favorable prognoses. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was identified between the expression of BNIP3L/Nix and the infiltration of diverse immune cell types within breast cancer, encompassing B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These correlations were substantiated by the verification of immune cell-specific molecular markers. Conclusion: The research underscores the prognostic potential of BNIP3L/Nix in breast cancer, with its expression level being intimately connected to the immune cell infiltration. This discovery offers novel perspectives and potential targets for breast cancer immunotherapy.