The prognostic value and oncogenic functions of WDR12 and its validation in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) stands as the predominant malignant primary bone tumor. WDR12 plays a role in diverse biological processes. Nonetheless, the specific function of WDR12 in OS has not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we found that WDR12 is overexpressed and closely associated with poor prognosis of OS. A diagnostic nomogram based on WDR12 and clinical features of OS could effectively predict the overall survival rate of OS patients. Through functional enrichment analysis, multiple potential pathways related to WDR12 expression in tumorigenesis have been identified. Additionally, the expression level of WDR12 is correlated with the tumor immune microenvironment, immune therapy response, and drug treatment response in OS. Importantly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that downregulation of WDR12 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities of OS cells and in vivo experiments also confirmed that overexpression of WDR12 could promote tumor growth. Hence, WDR12 has the capacity to emerge as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OS.