KEGG analysis showed genes co-expressed positively with CTSF in LUSC were primarily enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, Morphine addiction, Malaria, Other glycan degradation, Renin secretion, Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, Vascular smooth muscle contraction, and Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), while genes co-expressed negatively with CTSF in LUSC were primarily enriched in Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, Spliceosome, Proteasome and others (Fig. 3F). This evidence concerns the gene REN and dilated cardiomyopathy.