Identification and Single-Cell Analysis of Prognostic Genes Related to Mitochondrial and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Bladder Cancer

This study investigates the link between mitochondrial dysfunction, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and bladder cancer (BLCA), identifying six key prognostic genes (CCDC80, NIBAN1, CSPG4, PDGFRA, MAP1A, and PCOLCE2) through differential expression analysis and machine learning. A prognostic model was developed, showing strong accuracy in predicting BLCA outcomes, validated by a nomogram. The model stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, revealing significant differences in immune cell infiltration, particularly with natural killer cells. Immune checkpoint analysis showed upregulation of TNFRSF14, TNFRSF25, and VEGFA in the low-risk group. Fibroblasts were identified as crucial in gene expression during differentiation. Experimental validation confirmed the downregulation of these genes in BLCA samples, highlighting their potential as prognostic biomarkers and offering new insights into BLCA prognosis.