Investigating the role of oncogenic FAM83A as a prognostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma: Insights from smoker and non-smoker cohorts

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in smokers and non-smokers presents distinct clinical characteristics, including differences in genetics, treatment response, and prognosis. To explore these differences, we conducted a meta-analysis using publicly accessible LUAD datasets, identifying meta-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in smokers and non-smokers. A total of 29 meta-DEGs were discovered, with seven (CLDN2, CLDN18, CYP4B1, CYP4X1, FAM83A, HLF, and PLA2G1B) demonstrating prognostic significance in the TCGA-LUAD cohort. Among these, FAM83A was particularly noteworthy for its amplification in LUAD samples and its negative correlation with immune cell infiltration. Functional enrichment analysis revealed key pathways, such as cytochrome P450 metabolism and cell–cell adhesion, which may be critical in LUAD progression. Our findings highlight FAM83A as a potential prognostic biomarker with significant implications for treatment strategies, especially concerning immune modulation. This study offers a more comprehensive insight into the molecular differences in LUAD in smokers and non-smokers and lays the groundwork for targeted therapies tailored to these subgroups.