Pan-cancer evaluation of ABAT as an emerging biomarker and its implication in lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background: 4-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (ABAT) is a pivotal enzyme for mitochondrial metabolism and central nervous system homeostasis, with known links to neurotransmitter regulation and mental illnesses. However, its role in cancer remains understudied. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate ABAT’s pan-cancer landscape—including gene expression, diagnostic-prognostic value, epigenetic modifications, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity—and validate its functional role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: Using multi-omics data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), HPA (Human Protein Atlas), UALCAN (University of Alabama