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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
Integrated clinicopathological features and gene microarray analysis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Huaqiang Zhou1, Qinchang Chen2, Wulin Tan3
1Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are relatively rare pancreatic neoplasms over the world. Investigations about molecular biology of PNETs are insufficient for nowadays. We aimed to explore the expression of messenger RNA and regulatory processes underlying pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from different views. The expression profile of GSE73338 were downloaded, including samples with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. First, the Limma package was utilized to distinguish the differentially expressed messenger RNA. Gene Ontology classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed to explore the functions and pathways of target genes. In addition, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network. NEK2, UBE2C, TOP2A and PPP1R1A were revealed with continuous genomic alterations in higher tumor stage. 91 up-regulated and 36 down-regulated genes were identified to be differentially expressed in malignant PNETs. Locomotory behavior was significantly enriched for biological processes of metastasis PNETs. GCGR and GNAS were identified as the hub of proteins in the protein-protein interaction sub-network of malignant PNETs. We showed the gene expression differences in PNETs according to different clinicopathological aspects. NEK2, UBE2C, TOP2A are positively associated with high tumor grade, and PPP1R1A negatively. GCGR and GNAS are regarded as the hub of the PPI sub-network. CXCR4 may affect the progression of PNETs via the CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 chemokine receptor axis. However, more studies are required.
Insights
This study reveals key gene expression differences in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), identifying potential biomarkers like NEK2 and GCGR for tumor progression and metastasis. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare neoplasms with limited molecular biology data.
- Understanding PNETs' molecular landscape is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore messenger RNA expression and regulatory pathways in PNETs.
- To identify differentially expressed genes and key molecular players in PNET progression.
Main Methods:
- Downloaded and analyzed gene expression profile (GSE73338) of PNET samples.
- Utilized Limma package for differential gene expression analysis.
- Performed Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.
- Constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks.
Main Results:
- Identified 91 up-regulated and 36 down-regulated genes in malignant PNETs.
- NEK2, UBE2C, TOP2A showed genomic alterations in higher tumor stages and grades.
- GCGR and GNAS emerged as crucial hub proteins in the PPI network.
- Locomotory behavior pathways were enriched in metastatic PNETs.
- CXCR4 axis implicated in PNET progression.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression profiling provides insights into PNET molecular mechanisms.
- NEK2, UBE2C, TOP2A, and PPP1R1A are associated with tumor grade.
- GCGR and GNAS are key nodes in PNET molecular networks.
- The CXCR4 axis may drive PNET progression, warranting further investigation.
