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Updated: May 1, 2026

In Vivo CRISPR/Cas9 Screening to Simultaneously Evaluate Gene Function in Mouse Skin and Oral Cavity
Published on: November 2, 2020
Bioinformatics analysis reveals significant genes and pathways to target for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Qian Jiang1, You-Cheng Yu, Xiao-Jun Ding
1Department of Stomatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Purpose:
The purpose of our study was to explore the molecular mechanisms in the process of oral squamous cells carcinoma (OSCC) development.
Method:
We downloaded the affymetrix microarray data GSE31853 and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OSCC and normal tissues. Then Gene Ontology (GO) and Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) networks analysis was conducted to investigate the DEGs at the function level.
Results:
A total 372 DEGs with logFC| >1 and P value < 0.05 were obtained , including NNMT, BAX, MMP9 and VEGF. The enriched GO terms mainly were associated with the nucleoplasm, response to DNA damage stimuli and DNA repair. PPI network analysis indicated that GMNN and TSPO were significant hub proteins and steroid biosynthesis and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies were significantly dysregulated pathways.
Conclusion:
It is concluded that the genes and pathways identified in our work may play critical roles in OSCC development. Our data provides a comprehensive perspective to understand mechanisms underlying OSCC and the significant genes (proteins) and pathways may be targets for therapy in the future.
Insights
This study explored molecular mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development. Key genes and pathways were identified, offering potential therapeutic targets for OSCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer with complex molecular underpinnings.
- Understanding the genetic and molecular alterations is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms driving oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development.
- To identify key genes and pathways involved in OSCC pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Affymetrix microarray data (GSE31853) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OSCC and normal tissues.
- Application of Gene Ontology (GO) and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analyses to understand DEG functions.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant DEGs (logFC > 1, P < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Identified 372 DEGs, including NNMT, BAX, MMP9, and VEGF.
- Enriched GO terms related to nucleoplasm, DNA damage response, and DNA repair.
- GMNN and TSPO identified as significant hub proteins; steroid biosynthesis and ketone body metabolism pathways were dysregulated.
Conclusions:
- The identified genes and pathways are critically involved in OSCC development.
- This research provides a comprehensive molecular perspective on OSCC.
- The significant genes and pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for future OSCC treatment.
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