Role of uridine phosphorylase 1 in cancer: A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis highlighting its prognostic and therapeutic potential

Uridine phosphorylase 1 (UPP1) is implicated in numerous cancers, yet lacks comprehensive evaluation across cancer types. This pan-cancer study aims to elucidate UPP1’s roles and establish its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. This study analyzes the expression, genetic alterations, DNA methylation, and prognostic significance of UPP1 across 33 cancer types using multiple cancer genomics databases. We utilized databases such as TIMER, GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter to conduct a systematic analysis of UPP1 involving gene expression, genetic alteration patterns, promoter methylation, and survival impact in various cancers. UPP1 showed high expression in 19 out of 33 cancers and was down-regulated in 4. Notably, high UPP1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in 8 cancer types (OS: hazard ratios >1, P <.05). The primary genetic alteration was amplification. Promoter methylation of UPP1 varied significantly across cancers, correlating inversely with expression levels. UPP1 expression also correlated significantly with tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability (MSI) across multiple cancers and was linked to immune cell infiltration. UPP1 serves as a significant oncogenic factor in various cancers, highlighting its value as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target. This study lays a foundation for further exploration of UPP1’s mechanisms and therapeutic applications in oncology.