Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
An approach for the identification of targets specific to bone metastasis using cancer genes interactome and gene
Shikha Vashisht1, Ganesh Bagler
1Biotechnology Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palampur, India.
Abstract:
Metastasis is one of the most enigmatic aspects of cancer pathogenesis and is a major cause of cancer-associated mortality. Secondary bone cancer (SBC) is a complex disease caused by metastasis of tumor cells from their primary site and is characterized by intricate interplay of molecular interactions. Identification of targets for multifactorial diseases such as SBC, the most frequent complication of breast and prostate cancers, is a challenge. Towards achieving our aim of identification of targets specific to SBC, we constructed a 'Cancer Genes Network', a representative protein interactome of cancer genes. Using graph theoretical methods, we obtained a set of key genes that are relevant for generic mechanisms of cancers and have a role in biological essentiality. We also compiled a curated dataset of 391 SBC genes from published literature which serves as a basis of ontological correlates of secondary bone cancer. Building on these results, we implement a strategy based on generic cancer genes, SBC genes and gene ontology enrichment method, to obtain a set of targets that are specific to bone metastasis. Through this study, we present an approach for probing one of the major complications in cancers, namely, metastasis. The results on genes that play generic roles in cancer phenotype, obtained by network analysis of 'Cancer Genes Network', have broader implications in understanding the role of molecular regulators in mechanisms of cancers. Specifically, our study provides a set of potential targets that are of ontological and regulatory relevance to secondary bone cancer.
Insights
This study identifies key genes for secondary bone cancer (SBC) by analyzing a cancer gene network and existing SBC gene data. The findings offer potential therapeutic targets for bone metastasis, a major cancer complication.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Bioinformatics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Metastasis is a primary driver of cancer mortality, with secondary bone cancer (SBC) frequently complicating breast and prostate cancers.
- Identifying therapeutic targets for complex, multifactorial diseases like SBC presents a significant challenge due to intricate molecular interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel therapeutic targets specific to secondary bone cancer (SBC) by integrating network analysis with curated gene datasets.
- To develop a strategy for probing bone metastasis, a critical aspect of cancer progression and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a 'Cancer Genes Network' representing a protein interactome of cancer genes.
- Application of graph theoretical methods to identify key genes involved in generic cancer mechanisms and biological essentiality.
- Compilation of a curated dataset of 391 SBC genes and integration with gene ontology enrichment for target identification.
Main Results:
- Identification of a set of key genes relevant to generic cancer mechanisms and biological essentiality through network analysis.
- Development of a strategy combining generic cancer genes, SBC genes, and gene ontology enrichment to pinpoint bone metastasis-specific targets.
- Presentation of potential therapeutic targets with ontological and regulatory relevance to SBC.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a novel approach for investigating cancer metastasis, specifically secondary bone cancer.
- Network analysis of the 'Cancer Genes Network' yields insights into molecular regulators of cancer phenotypes.
- The identified gene targets offer a foundation for developing more effective treatments for bone metastasis.
More Related Videos
07:41Performing Data Mining And Integrative Analysis Of Biomarker in Breast Cancer Using Multiple Publicly Accessible Databases
Published on: May 17, 2019
09:08Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: January 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:26Protein Networks
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...