Identification of the critical genes and miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Jun Wang,Liuqing Yang,Chuyan Wang,Kexin Li

doi:10.1007/s12032-021-01622-7

Jun Wang, Liuqing Yang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-021-01622-7

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem with complex etiology and pathogenesis. Microarray data are increasingly being used as a novel and effective method for cancer pathogenesis analysis. An integrative analysis of genes and miRNA for HCC was conducted to unravel the potential prognosis of HCC. Two gene microarray datasets (GSE89377 and GSE101685) and two miRNA expression profiles (GSE112264 and GSE113740) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 177 differently expressed genes (DEGs) and 80 differently expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened out. Functional enrichment of DEGs was proceeded by Clue GO and these genes were significantly enriched in the chemical carcinogenesis pathway. A protein-protein interaction network was then established on the STRING platform, and ten hub genes (CDC20, TOP2A, ASPM, NCAPG, AURKA, CYP2E1, HMMR, PRC1, TYMS, and CYP4A11) were visualized via Cytoscape software. Then, a miRNA-target network was established to identify the hub dysregulated miRNA. A key miRNA (hsa-miR-124-3p) was filtered. Finally, the miRNA-target-transcription factor network was constructed for hsa-miR-124-3p. The network for hsa-miR-124-3p included two transcription factors (TFs) and five targets. These identified DEGs and DEMs, TFs, targets, and regulatory networks may help advance our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of HCC.

Highlights

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly prevalent malignant tumor, is the major type of primary liver cancers (PLCs), accounting for nearly 75-85% of all cases [1]
PPI network was established on the STRING platform, and ten hub genes (CDC20, TOP2A, ASPM, NCAPG, AURKA, CYP2E1, HMMR, PRC1, TYMS, and CYP4A11) were visualized via Cytoscape software
We explored the microarray profiles of HCC-related genes and miRNAs expression in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database

Summary

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly prevalent malignant tumor, is the major type of primary liver cancers (PLCs), accounting for nearly 75-85% of all cases [1]. HCC is generally ranked as one of the most leading causes of cancer-associated deaths based on the WHO classification [2]. Hepatotoxins, alcohol, and tobacco are potential risk factors for HCC [3]. Many HCC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages with poor 5-year survival rates regarding the unobvious early symptoms and highly invasive character [4]. Radiotherapy, and giving sorafenib are the mainstay treatments, the prognosis of HCC is still dismal due to its high postoperative recurrence and drug resistance [5]. A deep exploration of the molecular mechanisms of HCC is urgently needed, which may contribute to excavate therapeutic targets for effective therapies

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